New TV Series to Teach Seasonal Produce Cooking
A new 13-episode series will help viewers build food literacy and increase their intake of fresh, seasonal produce.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Healthy Food
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California resident Jerry James Stone secured a $440,000 grant from the state Department of Food and Agriculture to produce a 13-episode series on food literacy. The project, which also features Stella Parton, aims to encourage better dietary habits across the country by promoting seasonal produce.
Why it matters
Poor nutritional habits are a widespread health concern, as current estimates indicate that nine in 10 Americans do not eat enough produce. This new series seeks to address these nutrition gaps by providing practical cooking education to improve food literacy.
The production is funded by a $440,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, supported by the federal USDA Farm Bill. While the show aims to address the widespread issue where nine in 10 Americans under-consume produce, the effectiveness of this series on dietary intake remains to be seen.
The players
Jerry James Stone
A food literacy advocate and producer based in Sacramento who is developing the new television series.
California Department of Food and Agriculture
The state agency that awarded the $440,000 grant to support the production of the 13-episode educational series.
Stella Parton
A featured participant in the upcoming series focused on seasonal cooking and food education.
The details
Based on the web series 'What Am I Even Eating?', the upcoming show will focus on teaching viewers how to identify and prepare seasonal produce. By breaking down the complexities of food literacy, the show aims to help viewers make informed decisions about their daily nutrition. The project is currently in its script-finalization phase before filming commences.
Timeline
Production begins in the next few weeks.
Filming is scheduled to start in the spring of 2027.
The show is planned for a premiere in the fall of 2027.
Health Landscape
This production fits into a broader national effort to boost public health through improved food literacy and increased access to fresh ingredients. The project is funded through grant provisions established under the USDA Farm Bill, which supports initiatives aimed at improving nutrition education.
As you consider ways to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, you may find the upcoming series useful for learning about seasonal produce preparation. If you have questions about adjusting your diet, it is worth discussing your specific nutritional goals with your doctor.
The takeaway
Focusing on seasonal produce can be a simple, effective way to improve your overall nutrition and dietary variety. If you are looking to increase your fruit and vegetable intake, consider starting with one new seasonal item each week and discussing dietary changes with your primary physician.
Further reading
Learn more about the fundamentals of nutrition in our Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-funded food education shows are an effective way to improve healthy eating habits?
