DNUSD to Share Rural Innovation on a National Stage at 2026 No Kid Hungry Summit

Del Norte Unified School District has been invited to present at the 2026 No Kid Hungry Summer Nutrition Summit in Washington, D.C.—a national gathering of leaders, researchers, and practitioners working to expand access to summer meals for children across the country. The event takes place January 12–13, 2026, and DNUSD is one of only three school districts in the United States selected to present.

This recognition highlights what many in Del Norte already know: our rural community continues to innovate to meet students where they are—no matter the distance.

Serving a Remote County With Local Solutions

Del Norte County spans coastal towns, forested communities, and mountainous terrain. Ensuring that children can access healthy meals throughout the summer has required creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity.

Last summer, DNUSD served more than 63,000 meals through the Seamless Summer Food Program. By placing meal pickup sites in geographically isolated areas and strengthening partnerships with community organizations, the district expanded access for families who often face transportation barriers.

These efforts—and the district’s proven ability to reach students in hard-to-access regions—caught the attention of state leaders and national organizations focused on rural food equity.

Elevating Rural Voices

At the Summit, DNUSD will participate on a featured panel titled “Summer Meals in Ultra-Rural Communities.” The district will share practical strategies, lessons learned, and the unique realities of serving one of the most remote counties in California.

Julie Bjorkstrand, Director of Nutrition Services, reflected on what the invitation means:

“Being selected to speak about our work on a national stage is a wonderful chance to highlight both the challenges we face as a rural community and the opportunities ahead. I’m incredibly proud of our team—their dedication and compassion make this work possible. School nutrition is truly a work of heart, and I’m grateful every day for the people who pour their passion into serving the children of this community.”

Michael Hawkins, Director of Communications & Public Information, added:

“As one of the largest and most remote geographic districts in the state of California, our Nutrition Services team continually rises to meet the challenges before them. To have their work recognized on a national level is a testament to what a committed rural community can achieve when putting students first.”

Why This Matters for Del Norte

Participation in the Summit gives DNUSD an opportunity to:

• Share local expertise that can shape state and national strategies for rural nutrition

• Advocate for the needs of isolated communities that often face limited resources

• Highlight the innovative work of DNUSD’s Nutrition Services team

• Strengthen partnerships and bring new ideas home to support Del Norte students

By bringing Del Norte’s story to Washington, DNUSD helps ensure that rural communities—and the students who live in them—remain part of the national conversation on food access.