The Moffat County School District is transforming its nutrition program through specialized culinary training and a focus on incorporating locally sourced ingredients into school meals.

In collaboration with Nourish Colorado, the district’s food service staff is undergoing hands-on training to create innovative recipes featuring locally produced foods.

The training sessions, which began on Jan. 24 at Moffat County High School, will continue through February and March in the district’s six school kitchens. To ensure the new recipes meet student preferences, students will participate in taste tests, helping shape the updated school lunch menus.

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“Our goal is to make local food an integral part of our school meals, benefitting both our students and the community,” said Laura Mouriquand, director of nutrition services.

The initiative is supported by a $105,000 Healthy Meals Incentive grant, which has already been used to purchase a walk-in freezer to increase storage capacity for local products. A portion of the funds is also dedicated to comprehensive culinary training for food service staff, empowering them to prepare fresh, locally sourced meals.

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Supporting local agriculture

Moffat County’s local beef industry plays a key role in the district’s food program. The district previously sourced Snowden Beef through a micro-purchase agreement and plans to implement a formal bidding process next year to include more local ranchers. Once recipes are finalized, procurement plans will be developed to ensure consistent supply.

Additionally, the district has a strong history of incorporating Colorado-grown produce into its meals, including potatoes, carrots and onions. A Local Food Program Grant of $7,066 enabled a pilot of local food purchases while an equipment grant of $1,376 supported the acquisition of cooking tools to enhance meal preparation. However, sourcing fresh produce during winter months remains a challenge, making locally raised beef a natural and reliable addition to the menu.

Commitment to food safety and student engagement

To maintain high food safety standards, the district’s nutrition staff has recently completed Certified Manager Protection training, equipping them to safely handle and prepare raw beef and other fresh ingredients.

The district is also engaging students in the initiative by partnering with the DECA business class to design a new logo for the nutrition program. Students will be compensated for their work, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in the program’s success.

Building a healthier future

Through continued training, local partnerships and student involvement, Moffat School District is reaffirming its commitment to providing nutritious, locally sourced meals while supporting the region’s agricultural community. This initiative not only enhances the quality of school meals but also strengthens ties between schools and local producers, creating a win-win for students and the community.

For more information about Moffat School District’s nutrition initiatives, contact Laura Mouriquand at laura.mouriquand@moffatsd.org