Atlanta ISD receives prime beef donation

Atlanta ISD announced on their social media page that they had “received 900 pounds of 95% lean, grassfed Texas beef from Pryor Cattle Co., thanks to the Texas Department of Agriculture and USDA’s Local Foods for Schools grant program.

According to their post, “This initiative not only helps us serve high-quality, nutritious meals to our students but also supports local agriculture. We can’t wait to serve this fresh, locally sourced beef to our students!”

The Texas Department of Agriculture announced on its website in an article written on the new program, “TDA entered into a cooperative agreement with the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the purchase of unprocessed or minimally processed Texas food products. The purpose of the Local Food for Schools (LFS) program is to support local and regional food systems, with a focus on historically underserved and small businesses. This grant can help participating Contract Entities (CEs) establish or strengthen connections to Texas farmers, ranchers, distributors, and small businesses and get more Texas food on students’ trays.

“The total grant award is $22.3 million and individual CEs can receive up to $250,000 based on enrollment. This is a one-time funding opportunity. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements for this program. NSLP and SBP CEs who are not contracted with food service management companies (FSMCs) are eligible to opt-in. The Opt-in period closed on October 31, 2023. Click here to view the list of LFS grant recipients.” The Journal-Sun is reaching out to Atlanta ISD to find out how much the district received.

According to the same article on the TDA, “LFS funds can be used to pay for the direct purchase, transportation, and storage of unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Purchases can be made directly with producers and small businesses or through distributors.

The article notes that only “direct food costs and the storage and transportation costs of Texas food products would be allowed, with no allowance to indirect costs. Also no processed meals would be allowed, instead only “minimally processed or unprocessed foods produced in Texas--minimally processed states (whole, cut, pureed) and forms (fresh, frozen, dried, canned)” Also covered in the program include, “fruits and vegetables, including 100% juices.” Only ingredients like “grains – pasta, rice, flour,” not the completed baked items. “Meats and/or Meat alternates– whole, pieces, ground meats, beans or legumes are welcomed. Like the product that Atlanta ISD received. Beef jerky, beef snack sticks, and/or summer sausage products made without flavorings, colorings, or other additives are ok.

Lastly, items like fluid milk and dairy products – yogurt, cheese, olive oil, honey and fresh herbs are accepted with only eligible items for NSLP and/or SBP reimbursement and also meet USDA meal pattern guidelines.

Funds needed to “be used November 3, 2023, through March 31, 2025. CEs are encouraged to submit invoices as soon as possible after making their purchases. All reimbursement requests must be submitted to TDA via the Reimbursement Request form no later than May 9, 2025.”