CO: Schools encouraged to buy local products
News Date August 11, 2009
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed September 9, 2009, as Colorado Proud School Meal Day. This sixth annual event encourages schools to incorporate Colorado products into their meals to celebrate Colorado agriculture and to educate students about healthy eating
Free educational materials regarding agriculture and nutrition are available online to help schools organize the event in their areas. Schools may also request a visit from a farmer or chef to enhance the experience. Colorado Proud, created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 1999, promotes locally grown, raised or processed products to consumers statewide. Currently, the program has more than 1,100 members which include growers, processors, restaurants, retailers and associations.
Colorado Proud School Meal Day is organized by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Department of Education. For more information or to participate in Colorado Proud School Meal Day, call (303) 239-4119 or visit coloradoproud.org. (Contact: Wendy White at wendy.white@ag.state.co.us)