La Quinta Middle School Students Dig Into Healthy Eating and Local Agriculture with Aziz Farms

Earlier today, students at La Quinta Middle School received a powerful lesson that went beyond the classroom, focusing on the importance of healthy eating and the agricultural heritage of the Coachella Valley. Hosted by the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and made possible through a partnership with Aziz Farms, the event combined hands-on learning with a deeper message about food and community.

The school’s gymnasium buzzed with excitement as students lined up to receive fresh fruits and vegetables. But the event wasn’t just about produce — it was an interactive educational experience. Multiple sessions throughout the day allowed students to hear directly from local farmers, including Aziz Farms owner and La Quinta Middle alumnus, Mark Tadros.

For many students, it was a chance to truly connect the dots between their meals and the land that grows them. “It helps us understand what food we're eating and how we got to eating it,” one student shared.

School administrators echoed the value of the experience. “As a PE teacher, we already emphasize health and exercise,” said one staff member. “This just adds a new dimension that students can really take to heart.”

DSUSD has been a pioneer in bringing farm-fresh produce directly to schools, and Aziz Farms was one of the first partners in this effort. Tadros emphasized how formative these moments can be. “This is the time where they're absorbing everything — they’re like little sponges,” he said. “We get a real opportunity to teach them that food grows right here, in their own community.”

The ultimate goal? For students to leave with more than just a bag of produce — but with a sense of pride and a new perspective. “It’s something they should be proud of,” Tadros said. “It’s something they should seek out. And as future consumers, it’s something they should demand.”

For more information tune into NBC Palm Springs.