Salida Schools Nutrition Team Highlights Garden Fresh Items for Farm-to-School Month
The nutrition team at Salida Schools has been planning a variety of special meals and activities featuring local and harvest fresh menu items for the Octber 3 kick-off, beginning with Colorado Proud Day.
Menu items will feature Colorado grown items including:
- Enchilada Casserole made with beef, using Corn Tortillas from our valley’s very own Tortilleria la Unica
- Fresh greens from our own Holman Gardens
- SouthWest Quinoa Salad samples at the ready
Colorado producers of quinoa are some of the largest producers in the world. Quinoa is rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and all nine essential amino acids, and is considered one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet.
Quinoa is said by nutritionists to be a catalyst to improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels and even aid weight loss. Quinoa is also low in sodium and high in calcium, potassium, and iron, making it a healthy and nutritious part of any diet. One caution: if you are allergic to grains, do not eat quinoa.
Every Wednesday is Groovy Garden Wednesdays
School kitchens have been promoting the school’s garden bounty in every meal. Wednesday meals feature additional produce available to students, with each school sharing different options.
On September 27, Salida High School (SHS) shared spaghetti squash and fresh herbs with students, bringing smiles to the building. There will be updates on what flavors and recipes are featured in coming weeks.
October 5 Mountain Plains Crunch Off Featuring Autumn Fresh Apples
Did you know there are 2,500 varieties of apples that are grown in the United States? The apple harvest is being celebrated this month in a special way across several states.
Salida Schools is joining schools, preschools, nonprofits, and local food enthusiasts on October 5 in celebrating Farm-to-School Month by competing in a nine-State Crunch Off competition. Colorado is competing against Montana, Missouri, Kansas, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming to determine who will be crowned the Mountain Plains Region Crunch Champion.
The criteria: which local apples or produce per capita have the most “crunches”. Each of Salida School buildings will participate in the school district’s Crunch competition during the lunch services.
This Crunch event encourages healthy eating, supports local agriculture, and helps students and community members gain a deeper understanding of the food system. Conner Orchards have supplied Salida Schools this year with Honey Crisp apples. Local produce is not only delicious and nutritious but it supports our local economy. Guidestone and others will be on hand to help tabulate results to document the District’s participation and help Colorado gain the crown.
Readers can help Colorado win the Crunch crown by joining the event. For more information, or to participate in the Crunch, contact Andrea Moore at anmoore@salidaschools.org.
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