The inaugural Wyoming Farm to School (WF2S) Day was celebrated statewide by 33 school districts on October 2, marking a significant step in supporting Wyoming farmers and ranchers, and ensuring students have access to fresh, locally grown products. WF2S bridges the gap between local producers and school cafeterias, highlighting the importance of healthy food and agricultural education.
Governor Mark Gordon kicked off the celebration on September 18 by signing the official proclamation. On Wednesday, October 2, First Lady Jennie Gordon served students at Douglas Upper Elementary, while WDE Chief of Staff Dicky Shanor did the same at Burns Elementary; and Bobby Lane, WDE Farm to School Coordinator visited Arapahoe Elementary in Fremont County #38.
“Nothing brings people together like a meal. And there is no better meal than one that comes from local producers,” said Chief Shanor. “It was a pleasure helping serve walking tacos with locally grown beef at Burns Elementary. The students were all talking about how good the beef was. I hope this program continues to expand to reach all Wyoming school districts.”
“WF2S Day reflects our commitment to education, community, and local agriculture. We are proud to support our farmers and ranchers while teaching students the value of fresh, locally grown food,” said Lane.
Other highlights from across the state include an art contest at Goshen County #1 where student designs were on shirts worn by food service staff; local law enforcement grilling burgers for students in Carbon County # 1 on Friday, October 4; and a corn shucking contest in Fremont County #38.
School districts collaborated with local producers throughout the state to procure Wyoming-grown foods such as corn, beef, lettuce, Yukon Gold potatoes, tomatoes, oats, beans, and apples. Fifteen hundred pounds of dry beans were donated by Kelley Bean of Torrington Wyoming and Equality State Farms of Gillette.
WDE Chief of Staff Dicky Shanor serves walking tacos made with Wyoming beef at Burns Elementary to celebrate Wyoming Farm to School Day.
First Lady Jennie Gordon serves students at Douglas Upper Elementary as part of the Wyoming Farm to School Day celebrations.
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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Chief Communications Officer
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov
