This year, Kelso students will get a taste of something new—and local—in their school meals.
Thanks to a $29,000 Washington State Department of Agriculture Farm to School grant, Kelso School District plans to purchase 4,500 pounds of fresh ground beef from Windy River Livestock, a family farm in Camas.
The locally raised beef will make its way into student favorites like nachos, as well as the new beef goulash chosen by students during Kelso’s annual Test Kitchen recipe contest.
“I’m excited for students to taste the difference,” said Nutrition Services Supervisor Kaydee Harris.
In addition to supporting a local Washington farm, using fresh beef gives Nutrition Services more control over ingredients and sodium levels while providing high-quality meals students enjoy.
And the benefits go even further. Because grant funds will cover the beef purchase, approximately $25,000 in other food funding can be used to continue purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Last year, Kelso used Farm to School funding to bring more local produce into cafeterias. This year’s move to locally raised beef is another step toward serving fresh, flavorful food while supporting Washington farmers—and giving students something delicious to look forward to at lunchtime.