Mesa County Valley School District 51 does not often endorse statewide legislation on voters’ ballots, hoping to avoid wading into political waters.

However, this year is an exception, as the district is hoping that voters will pass Propositions LL and MM that, in tandem, would extend Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program. Their reasons: continuing to provide free meals to all students beyond those who qualify because of their family’s income, as well as hopes of expanding the district’s “Farm to School” initiative.

WHAT IS FARM TO SCHOOL?

D51’s “Farm to School” program launched in 2009 through collaboration with Bolton’s Orchards and Farm Market, as owner Bruce Bolton wanted D51 students to have access to his locally grown apples. That partnership has since grown to include f

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