Schools in Mesa County are serving up locally sourced beef in their lunch menus, thanks to a collaboration between ranchers and School District 51. The initiative, called “Bring a Cow to School,” aims to connect students with fresh, locally produced food while supporting area ranchers.
A Rancher’s Vision Becomes Reality
Janie Vanwinkle, a Mesa County rancher, has been dreaming of this program for more than five years. That vision is now a reality as 12 families from the local Cattlemen’s Association work to provide over 9,000 pounds of beef to schools across the district.
“This is our way of giving back to the community,” said Brady Pearson, president of the Mesa County Cattlemen’s Association. He emphasized the importance of supplying healthy, protein-rich meals for kids directly from local ranchers.
Quality Assurance from Ranch to Plate
Before reaching school lunchrooms, every cow in the program undergoes veterinarian inspections to ensure only healthy animals are processed.
The donated beef is incorporated into student lunches, including dishes like meatloaf, which will feature in school menus seven times throughout the year.
“It’s a simple way to provide kids with healthier, fresher food,” Pearson noted, adding that the effort also fosters an appreciation for agriculture within the community.
Challenges and Uncertainty
Despite its early success, the program’s future depends on funding. Ranchers are optimistic about continuing but recognize the need for financial support to maintain and grow the initiative.
“This has been a great deal so far,” Pearson shared. “We’re hopeful that we can keep it going, but it’s not guaranteed.”
Why It Matters
Locally sourced food programs like this bring benefits beyond fresh meals. They:
- Support local economies by keeping food production within the community.
- Promote agricultural education by connecting students to the origins of their food.
- Improve meal quality for students, offering a healthier alternative to processed options.
For now, the “Bring a Cow to School” program has plenty of momentum, with students across Mesa County already enjoying the fresh, flavorful results.
