Celebrating Local Farmers During Farm to School Month
Every October, National Farm to School Month connects students to the farmers who feed them. This year, Dairy West joined Heber Valley Elementary for a day of discovery where students learned how local food makes its way from cows to cafeteria trays.
Learning Where Food Comes From
The day began at Canyon View Farms, where dairy farmer Russ Kohler gave a tour of his family's farm. Students learned how cows grow from a calf to a milking cow and how milk is made into other dairy products. Students were excited to hear that all the milk served in Utah and Idaho schools comes from local dairy farms. That support strengthens local economies while nourishing kids every day.
Lunch and Local Flavor
Back at school, students enjoyed a special farm-to-table lunch featuring Heber Valley cheese curds and locally grown apples from Fowers and Mountainlands Orchards. In the cafeteria, Dairy West’s farm-to-fridge puzzle helped students visualize the journey of milk from the farm to their trays.
Out on the playground, students met a newborn calf and asked Russ questions about farming, animal care and how milk gets from the barn to their breakfast and lunch. These conversations helped students understand the care and dedication behind every glass of milk.
A Trip Beyond the Lunchroom
The learning continued as fifth graders took a retail field trip to Walmart, where they discovered how to identify local products in their community grocery store. Dairy West signage highlighted locally produced dairy and produce, helping students see how supporting local food systems extends beyond school meals. Each student took home a local dairy product and a fresh Utah-grown apple to share with their family.
Why It Matters
Farm to School programs inspire curiosity, build healthy habits and strengthen connections between students, farmers and their communities. When kids understand where their food comes from, they are more likely to appreciate fresh, wholesome foods and make mindful choices.
“We’re proud to give students the chance to see the farm-to-school process in action, to meet the farmers, experience where their food comes from and celebrate the goodness of local dairy,” said Deena Benson, manager - business development, school nutrition at Dairy West.
Through partnerships with local farmers, the Utah Department of Agriculture, the Farm to School team and community supporters like Charlie’s Produce and Heber Valley Cheese, Dairy West continues to invest in programs that connect classrooms, cafeterias and communities.
Farm to school is more than just a celebration. It is a movement bringing the story of local food full circle.
Learn more about Dairy West's farm to school resource.
