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Hayward, CA

Farm2Fork: Bridging Cooking, Equity and Environmental Responsibility in the Classroom

Grant Amount

$4,141

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Rupika Malik

Grant Type

Individual

Local Association

Hayward Education Association

Focus Area

Environmental Justice

About the Project

This proposal will expand the Farm2Fork classroom by integrating hands-on cooking activities with environmental education, equipping students with practical life skills while deepening their understanding of sustainability, nutrition, and energy conservation. Using cooking appliances and eco-friendly tools, students will explore the connections between food production, climate change, and responsible consumption. The program emphasizes waste reduction through reusable wraps, vacuum sealers, and biodegradable dishcloths, encouraging environmentally conscious habits. Designed to be accessible to all students, the initiative promotes student-centered learning, advocacy, and community engagement.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Rupika Malik

My name is Rupika Malik, and I serve as a Science teacher at Tennyson High School with over 24 years of teaching experience plus 3 years international. Currently, I teach CTE courses (Agriscience and Human Body Systems), as well as Chemistry and Biology. One of my key roles is leading the Farm2Fork program, where I connect cooking, equity, and environmental responsibility to students’ everyday lives through engaging classroom experiences. I also integrate Climate Empowerment Learning into my teaching, ensuring the curriculum is justice-centered, science-grounded, and solutions-oriented. As a passionate educator and lifelong learner, I continuously seek meaningful, hands-on opportunities to inspire my high school students.

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