Student holding a tray with fish tacos, close-up of the fish and tray with the tacos

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is proud to celebrate Virginia Farm to School Week (October 6–10), a statewide initiative that connects students with fresh, locally sourced foods while promoting healthy eating habits and agricultural education.

At the high school level, students are experiencing a unique highlight of this effort: the Bay2Tray Initiative. Originally launched in California, Bay2Tray brings nutritious meals to students while supporting sustainable fishing practices. The program has since expanded to the East Coast, including Virginia, with a mission to make fresh seafood more affordable and accessible in schools.

Through Bay2Tray, PWCS students enjoy meals featuring responsibly sourced seafood. In some regions, local fishermen even visit schools to share insights about marine life and ecosystems—deepening students’ understanding of environmental stewardship and the importance of sustainable practices.

Blue Catfish: A Sustainable Choice

During Farm to School Week, PWCS high school cafeterias are serving fish tacos made with Blue Catfish, an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. Introduced decades ago for recreational fishing, Blue Catfish have disrupted local ecosystems and threatened native marine life.

To address this challenge, PWCS partners with Real Good Fish, a nonprofit that works with local fishermen to harvest Blue Catfish. This collaboration helps reduce the species’ population, protect the Bay’s ecosystem, and promote sustainable fishing—all while providing students with a healthy, flavorful meal.

Last spring, the PWCS Food and Nutrition Department conducted a taste test featuring Blue Catfish taco bites. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with students calling the tacos a “hit.” Building on that success, Blue Catfish is now a featured item during this year’s celebration.

"I think we (PWCS Food and Nutrition Department) do a really good job at catering to all students, trying new things to see what they like,” shared Chelsea Freet, food services manager at Gainesville High School. "Students love having a diverse menu—they look forward to the changes we provide. While you've got favorites like our popcorn chicken, students definitely appreciate having options.”

Vinh Khuong, a student at Gainesville High, added, “I really like the variety with fish tacos. I enjoy them a lot."

How It Works

Real Good Fish coordinates with local vendors and fishermen to source Blue Catfish for school meals. PWCS’ Food and Nutrition Department worked with its primary grocery distributor to bring this sustainable seafood to high school lunch menus—supporting environmental goals while strengthening community partnerships.

Why It Matters

Virginia Farm to School Week is more than a celebration of local food—it’s an opportunity to teach students about the connections between nutrition, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Initiatives like Bay2Tray show how thoughtful choices in school meals can positively impact ecosystems, support local economies, and inspire future generations to lead with sustainability in mind.