Yesterday was the first day of in-person classes for thousands of San Francisco Unified students, after a challenging year of distance learning. For ninth-grader Sasha, the struggle of staying motivated during the pandemic was very real, as it was for most kids:"The hardest thing about being virtual on school is not being able to go and see your friends and teachers. You stay home and you don’t really get to, like, interact with people and meet people."

For Sasha, participating in CUESA's Foodwise Teens program provided a much-needed source of social connection, learning, and hope. "In Foodwise Teens, you do a lot of stuff that's fun and that you enjoy," she says. "It gave us an opportunity to actually come and meet new people in a safe way, and help out the community. I'm proud of myself for joining the program. I might have said, 'I'm not gonna try it' because I might be scared, but I had the courage to do it and explore new things."

CUESA has been here for students offering free experiential food education through our Foodwise Kids and Foodwise Teens programs, virtually and outdoors at the farmers market. This August, we need your help to welcome kids back, so students like Sasha can learn, grow, and give back to their community while developing critical life and job skills. 

Today when donate to our Back to School, Back to the Farmers Market campaign, your support for students will be DOUBLED. Thanks to a generous group of CUESA supporters—including Wendy Cook, Michael & Leslie Curtis, Hera Ng, and four anonymous donors—all donations made by this Friday, August 20, will be matched up to $3,000. Your gift—of any amount—will go twice as far in supporting students through CUESA's free education programs.

Kids are ready to put away their screens and start learning. They’re hungry for real-life connection, skill building, and a brighter future. You have the power to make these nourishing experiences possible for youth in your community. Can you chip in now to get us closer to our goal of $40,000 this August?  

Remember that your contribution will be matched until Friday, August 20. Give now to invest in students like Sasha and a healthy future for our kids, and DOUBLE your impact!

P.S. Does your employer offer matching gifts on charitable contributions? Your gift will go twice as far! Donate now.

Your donation is tax-deductible and will make a difference! For other ways to donate, such as through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), contact: cindy@cuesa.org.