The Roaring Fork School District was one of 46 sponsors throughout the state that received the Local Food Program (LFP) Grant for the 2025-26 school year, according to a Wednesday news release.

The competitive grant will help support the school district in purchasing Colorado-grown, raised, or processed foods to use in school meal programs. 

“Being awarded the Local Food program grant strengthens both our schools and our local producers,” RFSD Director of Food and Nutrition Services Octavio Maese said in the release. “Every dollar spent supports nearby farmers, brings fresher ingredients to students’ plates, and builds stronger connections between our schools and the community.”

Receiving the grant directly correlates with the Roaring Fork School District’s commitment to sourcing local ingredients. Throughout the month of October, the district celebrated Farm to School Month — featuring a “healthy dessert” every Thursday — including frozen berries and peaches. 

The district has also been incorporating local products into school meals including elephant heart plums, evercrisp apples, and corn sourced in Olathe. They will also begin to incorporate Asian pears in November, according to the release. 

The release also mentions how students are responding very positively to the fresh produce, specifically the sweet elephant heart plums. 

“The district plans to use the upcoming LFP funds to continue purchasing seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as locally raised beef,” the release states.

For more information, visit rfschools.com. 

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