Elisha Smith of the Center for Rural Affairs recently attended the Midwest Farm to School Conference and brought back a report.
Elisha was excited to hear from Thayer County rancher Rob Marsh, who has worked to get local beef donated to his kids’ school. She watched his presentation and sat with him during the lunch. They were joined by Susan Dishman, Food Service Director for Thayer County Community Schools. The community has been very supportive of the ranch-to-school program, Elisha learned—and the kids love the beef! In fact, she writes: “Lunch participation is up on Titan Beef days by about 21 students (out of 420 students). Satisfaction in lunch on those days is often NOTICEABLY higher.”
When Elisha asked how she could get such a program going in her community, Marsh told her to start talking with beef producers, school staff such as the superintendent and the food service director, and other parents. He added that there’s lots of helpful info available at the Titan Beef Boosters website.