CEC Fort Collins is one of select CSI schools that has been awarded the Local Food Program Grant, a program that connects Colorado food producers with local school districts. This grant was awarded by the Colorado Department of Education.
“Thanks to the LFP grant, our Farm to School Food Services program is able to expand our students’ exposure to truly fresh food,” said Kristin Maxwell, CEC Farm to School Coordinator. “We are excited for them to experience Colorado’s seasonal bounty on our school’s salad bar and in our lunch menu.”
The Local Food Program will offer selected School Food Authorities (SFAs) a reimbursement for the purchase of Colorado grown, raised, or processed products. This program encourages SFAs to procure local products, foster nutrition education, bolster farm to child nutrition activities, and support Colorado producers and farmers.
“Being able to offer locally produced products not only means greater flavor and color, it also creates relationships with farmers, connecting students to where – and from whom – their food comes from,” Maxwell said.
CEC Food Services strives to integrate and involve students into every step of our program – from planting seeds in the garden to serving the harvested produce in the cafeteria. We hope to support your students’ health and wellbeing both in and out of the classroom.
“The CEC Farm to School mission is to empower students to positively impact their communities, while cultivating life skills and a deeper understanding of personal health and wellbeing. We aim to offer hands-on activities and experiences surrounding the procurement of local food, involving students in the journey and inviting them to explore all the possibilities therein!” Maxwell said. Find out more about CEC’s Food Services and what we offer here.
For more information on the CDE Local Food Program Grant, visit here.
