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Sheridan district expands farm-to-school and ranch-to-school partnerships, reports substantial local food donations
Summary
District officials reported greenhouse-grown produce and multiple cattle donations that have supplied tens of thousands of pounds of local beef to school meals over four years and said a $15,000 Wyoming Department of Education grant covers 50% of processing costs.
District staff updated trustees on the district’s Farm to School and Ranch to School programs, reporting expanded greenhouse production and ongoing community donations that supply local food for school meals.
The presenter said greenhouse-grown greens have been supplied to kitchens this year (transcript states "12 81 pounds"), and the district has trialed other produce such as jicama, grape tomatoes and potatoes. The district also described partnerships and visits from Wyoming Department of Education staff and the farm-to-school coordinator, framing Sheridan as an example for other districts.
On the Ranch to School side, staff reported receiving nine cattle this donation period that yielded about 6,890.5 pounds of ground beef. Over four years the program has received 60 beefs (listed in the presentation as 44,232 pounds total) and the district estimated food-cost savings of approximately $167,196.96. The district noted consistent local donors and described community educational activities connected to the program.
District staff said the Wyoming Department of Education awarded the district a $15,000 grant this year to help cover processing fees; staff explained the grant covers 50% of processing costs and that receipts are submitted to receive reimbursement of half the cost.
Trustees asked questions about the grant’s share of processing fees and whether other districts could adopt Sheridan’s model; the presenter said state staff have cited Sheridan as an example and encouraged peer districts to consider similar approaches.
Next steps: staff indicated interest in diversifying greenhouse crops and continuing to pursue grant support and community partnerships.
