During the 2019-2020 school year, USD 108 entered into the Farm to School Program. This program is designed to allow local partners to donate items that can be used to provide fresh, homegrown products for school meals. While garden items are also considered part of the Farm to School Program, USD 108 uses this program to provide locally grown beef and pork for our breakfast and lunch meals. The animals are donated, the district pays the processing fee, and we receive high quality meat for a fraction of the cost!
Since the 2019-20 school year, the district has received a total of:
9 whole hogs – which is roughly 1575 pounds of meat
16 whole beef – which is roughly 11,200 pounds of meat
and 1,162 pounds of hamburger!
If we purchased ground pork on the open market, it would sell for roughly $3.59 a pound. Therefore, we have received $5,654.25 in pork.
If we purchased ground beef on the open market, it would sell for $4.99 a pound. Therefore, we have received $61,686.38 in beef.
The following individuals or businesses have donated animals to USD 108 for meat consumption. Some of these individuals/businesses donate EVERY year:
Adam Grover
Bill Keesecker
David & Laramie Jueneman
Frager Family Farms
Curtis & Marlene Stamm
Garrett Stewart
Gregg & Debbie Stewart
Keesecker Agribusiness
Dawson & Clayton Strunk and family
Mick & Michele Walter
Mid-Continent Farms
Pat & Rose Ann Zach
Pannbacker Farms
Quivira Pork
Rod and Kannette Stewart
Rolling Hills Pork
And, our newest contributor is Grainbelt Express who purchased two hogs at the 2024 Washington County Fair premium sale and donated them to the district for our use.
Donated animals are processed at one of our local locker plants that are FDA approved. The meat provided goes a long way in providing nutritious meals for our students and also helps our food service budget’s bottom line.
The district would LOVE to partner with any individual or company who would like to donate an animal(s). Please contact Denise O’Dea, Superintendent of Schools at 785 325-2261 for details or to donate.
USD 108 is so very grateful for this support and for community partners who are willing to step up to the plate and donate animals for our use.
Together we are……Tiger Strong!
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