We were selected by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) as a recipient of the Local Food Program Grant, a program that strengthens farm-to-school connections and supports Colorado food producers. We will be awarded $24,019.50 to go towards the purchase of Colorado products.

A total of 32 Colorado school districts were selected to participate in CDE’s Local Food Program for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Awardees will be reimbursed for the purchase of food products that are grown, raised, or processed in Colorado. We plan to partner with the East Denver Food Hub to source local foods to incorporate into the school lunch menu.  

“We are thrilled to be selected for the Local Food Program this year,” said Maura Benton, Assistant Director of Nutrition Services. "This program gives our students access to fresh, nutritious food, while also supporting our local farmers, ranchers, and businesses. It’s a great opportunity that will benefit our students, the economy, and our local community.” 

This announcement builds on our ongoing commitment to provide high-quality food and nutrition programs for students and families. 

The Local Food Program is a pilot program that launched following the passage of Colorado HB-1132 in 2019. It aims to provide Colorado children access to nutritious, high-quality, local food, so they can excel in the classroom. At the same time, it creates an important financial opportunity for farmers, ranchers, food processors, and manufacturers by connecting them with school nutrition programs. More information about the Local Food Program can be found on the Colorado Department of Education’s Farm to School page.