Local Beef for Local Kids
Nieslanik Beef Is Heading to School!
From our ranch to the lunch tray. Nieslanik Beef is proud to be part of Colorado’s Local Food Program, a statewide partnership between Nourish Colorado and the Colorado Department of Education that helps schools buy fresh food straight from Colorado farmers and ranchers.
That means students in Roaring Fork Schools and Garfield School District Re-2 are eating beef raised just a few miles from their classrooms, right here in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Our Neighbors’ Kids
“There’s nothing more meaningful to us than knowing the beef we raise here in the Roaring Fork Valley and Western Colorado will help nourish Colorado kids. These are our neighbors’ kids, and being able to put a wholesome, local product on their lunch trays is something our whole family is proud of.”
— Marty Nieslanik, 2nd Generation Rancher
What’s on the Menu
Our beef is showing up in student favorites like nachos, walking tacos and beef empanadas, served alongside salad bars full of Colorado-grown produce.
“This year, we’ve featured locally raised beef in student favorites like nachos, walking tacos and beef empanadas, along with fresh produce on our salad bars, including yellow watermelon, D’Anjou pears, heirloom tomatoes, and a variety of fresh greens. The program benefits everyone involved, and we are very appreciative of our local partnerships with Nieslanik Beef, Mountain Freshies, and Farm Runners. Students enjoy a greater variety of fresh, local foods, and local ranchers and producers gain opportunities to bring their products directly to our students. It’s an investment in student experiences, local agriculture, and a stronger regional food system.”
— Octavio Maese, Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Roaring Fork Schools
Why It Matters
Fresher meals for students. Kids get high-quality, wholesome food they can feel good about.
Stronger local agriculture. School dollars stay right here, supporting Colorado ranching families.
A shorter trip. On the Western Slope, the road from ranch to cafeteria is about as short as it gets.
About the Local Food Program
The Local Food Program is a statewide initiative led by Nourish Colorado and the Colorado Department of Education. It gives school nutrition teams a direct path to buy from local producers and connects students, schools and the local ag community, so kids get to enjoy fresh, seasonal, Colorado-grown food.
Raised Right, Right Here
Nieslanik Beef is a family ranch, now in its third generation of homegrown operations in Carbondale. Our cow/calf operation runs right here at home under the watchful eye of Marty and Johnny, and we raise our cattle the way we raise our own kids: with love and care. Our beef is processed by our partners at Fitch Ranch Artisan Meats, a USDA processor in Craig, Colorado.
School or Restaurant? Let’s Talk.
We sell to schools, restaurants and families, from individual cuts to half and whole cows. Give us a call or text at 970-963-1644, email Orders@NieslanikBeef.com, or set up a wholesale account and we’ll get you taken care of.