The USDA Farm to School initiative utilizes local agricultural products from a community – fruit, vegetables, milk, etc. - and incorporate them into Child Nutrition Programs in the school.
There are successful programs in Kansas where local farmers donate a cow or pig to the local school district. The school district pays to have the animal processed and then the meat derived from the animal is served at breakfast and lunch. This will enhance our menus by providing locally grown beef and pork at cheaper rates that we can currently buy, but the meat is also home-grown. We will be better able to provide meals with beef and pork products as a feature item rather than more processed foods. It really is a win-win for all – the students get a quality meat product that was grown in their own backyards and our local farmers get recognized for their generous donation! During the 2018-19 school year, USD 108 Washington County Schools started our own program. This program provided the district with 4 hogs and ½ beef for use with our breakfast and lunch programs.
Last school year, the following businesses or individuals donated meat to our district:
Haverkamp Brothers Farm – 3 hogs
Rolling Hills Pork – 1 hog
Anonymous donor – ½ beef
I can be reached at 785.325.2261 x 3 or stop by my office at 101 W College to visit about YOUR donation to our food service program. This program provides our students with fresh meat, but also helps the “bottom line” of the school district by saving us money.