ASH GROVE, Mo. — One unique program connects local farmers and ranchers to local schools to help “beef” up their lunches.
The MO Beef Kids program is utilized in over 120 schools across Missouri including in Ash Grove, where their beef supply is steadily decreasing.
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Nathan Isakson is the Ash Grove FFA Adviser and he said while there is no overall beef shortage, the supply that the school has is declining. He said this program is all about making sure their students have a quality lunch at school so they can continue to perform well in the classroom.
“At one time over 50% of our schools, K-12th were classified as food insecure meaning they did not get, regularly, three meals a day and I can not imagine little pre-schoolers and first graders and third graders coming to school with an empty stomach and having to learn,” said Isakson.
If a farmer or rancher has a cow in good condition but is no longer productive, instead of selling it for 90 cents or $1 a pound, they can contact the school and they will then verify to see if the cow is healthy.