Lewis-Palmer Elementary School

On Oct. 1, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 proudly participated in Colorado Proud School Meal Day, an initiative aimed at promoting the use of locally sourced ingredients in school meals. This annual event invites schools across Colorado to celebrate local agriculture while educating school children about healthy eating. The event involved all elementary schools and both Monument Academy campuses. 

The menu for this special day featured shredded beef tacos paired with green chili. The shredded beef came from Temptee Foods, while the tortillas were supplied by Raquelita's Tortillas, a Denver-based company. Complementing this meal, students enjoyed green chili made with ingredients from Tico's, another local Denver business. In addition to these main dishes, the meal included fresh, Colorado-grown apples and carrots, ensuring that students received a nutritious and delicious meal. To top it off, students were served milk sourced from MeadowGold Dairy, located in Englewood, Colorado.

Stacey Baker, Director of Nutrition Services, expressed her enthusiasm for the event saying, “We were thrilled to be celebrating Colorado Proud School Meal Day and showcasing the important ways that Colorado plays a part in feeding the students across both the state and here at Lewis-Palmer School District 38! Colorado farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to produce food items that provide the nutrients children need to learn and thrive. We were proud to support Colorado agriculture whenever and wherever we could.”

The celebration of Colorado Proud School Meal Day not only emphasized the significance of local farming, but also provided students with an opportunity to learn about the origins of their food. By incorporating local products into school meals, the district aimed to foster a greater understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits among students. This event served as a fantastic way for students to appreciate the rich agricultural resources of Colorado while enjoying a wholesome, locally sourced meal.