Farm to School

by Lara Love

Bryant Honey made in Worland, Canyon Oats Oatmeal made in Powell, student raised local beef, pork or lamb; these are just a few of the items Hot Springs County School District food service director Cindy Wallingford would like to see included on the school lunch menu.

Beginning as soon as Wednesday, Feb. 17, HSCSD will be participating in the Farm to School program. Wallingford hopes to start off being able to offer locally produced food items at least once a month in school lunches and breakfasts.

The program helps to educate students on where their food comes from as well as putting money back into the pockets of local producers. Students will have access to fresh foods while strengthening the local economy.

"I will be trying to buy from local producers and will negotiate prices as producers come to me with local products," said Wallingford. She added she could pay fair market price for items like beef, pork and lamb then take it to a state inspected facility for processing.

Although the program is starting small, Wallingford plans to purchase produce in season when it is available at local farmers markets and raspberries from Raspberry DeLight Farms in Shoshoni. She hopes some of the vendors will be willing to give a presentation to the students about their product as an educational piece.