St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Nutrition Services Department has been nationally recognized for advancing farm-to-school programming and sustainability practices. The district has received the NxtGen Network's Inaugural Innovation Award in the K12 Operator category.
The NxtGen Network's Inaugural Innovation Awards recognizes educational institutions and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, forward-thinking and progress in the field of K12 education. SVVSD was selected among seven top national school district nominees.
“Receiving this award is a testament to St. Vrain's innovative mindset and unwavering commitment to modeling excellence on a national level,” said Katie Cossette, director of Nutrition Services for St. Vrain Valley Schools. “By connecting students to the source of their food and fostering excitement for nutritious meals, these initiatives have transformed our approach to nutrition in St. Vrain while providing valuable educational opportunities for our students.”
Through multiple departmental collaborations, students are building their awareness about St. Vrain’s school meal program and food system. These initiatives include a FarmBox hydroponic storage container farm; a student-led leafy greens food service business and hyper-local salad bars featuring produce from local farming partners. The schools also operate a Prostart Culinary Program where students work in their high school cafeterias to learn school food service skills.
