The Local Food Program Grant has increased access to fresh local produce being featured during National Farm to School Month.
Salida, CO - October is packed with flavor, fun, and fresh local produce across Salida Schools. Cafeterias in the District are kicking off National Farm to School Month which will feature a calendar of events designed to showcase local agriculture, foster healthy eating habits, and honor the dedicated nutrition services team who nourish students every day.
Thanks to a significant expansion in the State’s Local Food to School Program Salida Schools received increased grant funding from $4,000 last year to $27,000 this year to highlight farm-fresh ingredients sourced directly from regional growers, ranchers, and producers. For the past five years this grant supported the efforts of Salida Schools to prioritize locally sourced ingredients and the increased funding will support the increased focus on using local food.
"Our kitchen management teams and staff work continuously to learn, adapt, and elevate the standard of meals we serve our students," said Chef Andrea Moore, CC CPC, Nutrition Services Manager. "Connecting our students with local farmers, local grains, and produce from our own backyard helps build a healthy relationship with food that supports student success and lasts a lifetime."
Cafeterias will participate in the Mountain Plains National Crunchoff where students and staff can enjoy apples grown in Palisade, Colorado from McLean Farms. States compete against each other and every student that “crunches” one of these apples will be tallied in support of Colorado.
Salida Early Childhood Center, Monday October 5th 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Salida Middle School, Tuesday October 6th 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Crest Academy, Horizons Tuesday October 6th 12:20 to 12:45 p.m.
Exploratory Academy, Tuesday October 6th, 12 to 12:20 p.m.
Salida High School Wednesday October 7th 11:20 to 12:20 p.m.
Longfellow Elementary School, Thursday October 8th 11 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
McLean Farms is a family-owned establishment located in Palisade, Colorado, known for its farm-fresh produce and locally made products. The farm offers a variety of items including peaches, cherries, apricots, apples, honey, and salsas. With the hard spring frost last spring, these apples are a very special delivery.
National School Lunch Week is October 12-15, 2026. The theme this year is “Cafeteria Circus" and will celebrate the magic and hard work of school nutrition professionals who keep the cafeteria running like a big top. This event was established in 1962 and highlights the importance of healthy school lunches which serve nearly 30 million children every school day.
Menus for the month will feature fruits and vegetables, grains, and proteins like beef, buffalo, and chicken from local farms. Guidestone maintains a garden on the District’s Holman property, and delivers fresh garden produce by bike directly to the school kitchens including roasted fennel, crisp carrots, and other items featured on the salad bar.
Scratch-cooked meals will be provided throughout the month, featuring wholesome, quality home-cooked type meals prepared daily by skilled kitchen professionals. Nourish Colorado has supported the Salida Schools’ nutritional services department with customized trainings to support our operations, including knife skills training, recipe development, food safety, leadership development, and kitchen facility assessments. The District is proud to serve students and staff with delicious, locally sourced meals.
Members of the media interested in learning more, should contact Kim LeTourneau at 719-530-5225 or kletourneau@salidaschools.org. Photographers who would like to be present for the Crunch Off must schedule in advance and check in with the school’s front office to gain access to meet school safety requirements.
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