ALAMOSA — Carrots were the theme of the day at Alamosa Elementary K-2 School last Thursday as the Food Service staff prepared a special meal for students, showcasing local carrots. Typically, the lunch room is not a place for students to raise their voices, but exceptions were made for Farm to School Day. Kindergarteners chanted “Carrots, carrots, carrots!”, and second graders cheered to show their satisfaction. One staff member said, “the kids ate better today than they do on pizza day.”

This event was truly a collaborative effort. Food service staff partnered with farmer Amy Kunugi of JV Smith Companies’ Southern Colorado Farms and were supported by the SLV Farm to School Task Force. ASD Food Service Director Joni Bilderbeck and Veronica Salazar managed to incorporate the local, organic carrots in the lunch line in many different ways. The meal featured carrot-quinoa muffins, three styles of raw carrots on the salad bar, steamed carrot coins, and even a chili made with carrots! Food service staff happily dressed in fruit and vegetable costumes, and the cafeteria had festive decorations, adding excitement to the day.

Southern Colorado Farms is consistently generous with their produce. They donate local, organic carrots and beets to Alamosa’s schools all year, and provided the carrots for Alamosa’s Farm to School “Carrot Day”.

Students were excited to meet the farmer who grew their carrots, and Kunugi was happy to be there. “We believe in teaching kids where their food comes from,” Kunugi said. Kunugi even brought the very same carrot seeds they plant on the farm to share with the students. It was very fitting to have Kunugi present and representing Southern Colorado Farms, as their company values align perfectly with Farm to School efforts. As their slogan states, Southern Colorado Farms is growing “produce for a healthier tomorrow”, and is committed to giving back to their communities and teaching children about nutrition.

Carrot Day was educational and nutritious, but food taste and quality were definitely not neglected! When asked if she’d ever tried a carrot muffin before, one second grade student remarked, “No I haven’t, but it’s delicious! Better than pie!” Another student flaunted her “carrot sandwich”, which she had created by sticking shredded carrots inside two carrot coins.

This event showcased the many different groups working in collaboration to implement Farm to School practices. Farm to School is a program in the United States through which schools buy and feature locally produced, farm-fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, meat, and beans on their menus. Farmers like Amy Kunugi are also able to participate in programs designed to educate kids about local food and agriculture.

Research has shown that Farm to School efforts lead to healthier foods for students, improve academic performance and engagement, and promote economic activity in the region. With dedicated food service professionals like Bilderbeck and Salazar and principled farms like Southern Colorado Farms, Farm to School is happening in the Valley! Local, healthful foods are infiltrating cafeterias, and they’re here to stay. For more information about Farm to School in the SLV call 719-937-2319.

Captions: Kitchen and Farm to School crew get ready to serve local carrots./Courtesy photos

Farmer Amy Kunugi is shown with Veronica Salazar and Joni Bilderbeck.

Kindergartener Uriah Wilson takes a break from his quinoa-carrot muffin to munch on some carrot shreds.