Contact: Luella Gregory
573-470-2144
luella@beef.school
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Foundation for Food and Farm Connections Receives USDA Farm to School Grant to Expand “Powered by Protein” Initiative
Columbia, Missouri — The Foundation for Food and Farm Connections (FFFC) has been awarded a $151,800 USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant to expand its Mo Beef Kids program and support schools in navigating the complexities of sourcing local foods.
Mo Beef Kids started as an effort of the Missouri Beef Industry Council and the Missouri Department of Agriculture to beef up school lunches and source Missouri beef—highlighting Missouri’s role as a leading beef-producing state.
The Powered by Protein project will build on the foundation of Mo Beef Kids, expanding nutrition education and supporting both rural and urban districts through regional foodservice and producer trainings. FFFC will partner with a group of schools across the state to provide targeted technical assistance and highlight their existing programs as pilots for expansion.
“The magic truly happens at the school level,” said Luella Gregory, FFFC Director. “Hardworking hands and hearts feed thousands of students every day. From cafeteria to classroom, students see that the nourishing, nutrient-rich meals on their trays begin with local farm families. Our goal is to come alongside as a partner to help strengthen the farm-to-school pipeline.”
“Packed with ten essential nutrients, beef helps children thrive and deserves a stronger presence on the cafeteria tray. As a beef producer and educator, providing knowledge that supports a lifelong appreciation for the beef industry is invaluable,” says Tammy Bartholomew, FFFC President and Missouri Beef Industry Council Board Director.
The initiative also emphasizes the cafeteria as a learning environment—where food, agriculture, and nutrition intersect.
FFFC will partner with Opaa! Food Management and Missouri Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program to strengthen the farm-to-school network and bring the farm story into the cafeteria. This effort will expand outreach during Farm to School Month and Thank a Farmer Week, spotlighting farm families and their role in providing nutrient-dense meals.
“This year’s grants are a win-win for schools, children, and farmers,” said USDA Deputy Under Secretary Patrick A. Penn. “More students will experience the benefits of locally sourced food.”
About the Foundation for Food and Farm Connections
The Foundation for Food and Farm Connections is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to expand beef in schools. Mo Beef Kids, a project of the Foundation, works with school foodservice and nutrition programs to connect with local farmers and ranchers to beef up school lunches and champion animal protein in the cafeteria and classroom.