theordquiz.com

By Kate Wolf
  On Wed., July 16, the meeting room of the Ord Public School District was filled with area farmers and ranchers, local business owners, educators, parents and other interested individuals taking part in a “Community Conversation” about the Beef In Schools program. After researching the program the past few years and networking with other schools that have implemented and successfully utilized the program, District Superintendent Heather Nebesniak gave a presentation about the importance of putting locally sourced beef in Nebraska schools, specifically Ord Elementary, Junior High and High School, Ord St. Mary’s, and Building Blocks Preschool. Approximately 600 meals are prepared each day for staff and students depending on the schedule or planned activities.
  The Beef In Schools program is promoted by the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, along with additional guidance and support from the Nebraska Beef Council and UNL Extension Services.  The program aims to connect local beef producers with school lunch programs providing students with locally sourced, high quality beef. Arguably, it could be said that nobody does beef better than Nebraska and meeting the highest standards of nutrition for our students is a top priority.  The beef cattle industry is Nebraska’s single largest industry and drives the state’s economy with more than 20,000 beef-cow operations.  For every single person in Nebraska, there are four beef animals currently being raised.
  In addition, the program serves to educate students about how their food gets from farm to table, increases entrepreneurship, inspires future farmers and ranchers, allows input from the local community and supports sustainable farming practices.  By making locally sourced, high quality beef available, the students not only learn about how beef contributes to a healthy lifestyle, they actually get to live it.
  The schools benefit by being able to increase beef offerings in their menu’s and create a positive impact on the science, health, business and ag curriculum with on-site educational experiences.  Also, the potential for cost savings to the district cannot be overstated.  Local producers benefit too by promoting beef and agriculture for future generations, building a strong partnership between school and community, as well as creating local markets in which to sell their products.
  In addition, the Beef In Schools program provides area farmers, ranchers, and others an opportunity to give back to their community through the schools by donating beef or by making monetary contributions to assist with the cost of processing. The processing fees can also be covered by a $10,000 budgeted item in the District’s General Fund but, hopefully, generous monetary donations will make that unnecessary.
  All cash donations go through the Ord Public School Foundation, a nonprofit organization administered by Treasurer Russ Blaha at First National Bank in Ord. Any checks should have “Beef In Schools” noted on the memo line.  Donors of both beef and cash should check with their accountant or tax preparer regarding eligibility for deductions.
  “I look forward to working closely with the Ord Public School District in implementing this program,” VanDeWalle commented.
  Superintendent Nebesniak explained the cuts of beef typically required for school lunches: gr
  “We’ve been wanting to do this for a long time,” Nebesniak stated.  “Beef In Schools is an excellent way to bring high quality, nutritious, great tasting Nebraska beef to our students.  There is a place for everyone in this effort.  Please help us to spread the word.”  Anyone wanting to donate beef and other items or who may have questions about the program should contact the Ord Public School District office at 308-728-5016 Ext. 6.

   To read the complete story, pick up the July 23 edition of The Ord Quiz!