SCSD#2 Ranch to School Program Asking for Donations

Sheridan County School District #2 is seeking donations or quotes to purchase cull cows for the Ranch to School program. During a time of supply chain shortage and rising meat prices, they hope this will make an impact in keeping consistent meal offerings while integrating local food chains into the nutrition program.

Leslie Haberkern, Director of Food Services at SCSD#2 talked about what they are looking for.

SCSD#2 launched the Ranch to School program last year. The school feeds approximately 2000 students, pre-K through 12, per day. District #2 uses approximately 1,500 lbs. of ground beef per month to feed students across the district and this equates to 13,500 lbs. for the entire school year.

Previously beef for the National School Lunch Program was purchased commercially through Sysco or comes from the USDA commodity program. Haberkern talked more about how the program went the first year.

The cooks at the school use the hamburger in nachos, spaghetti sauce, chili and tacos. Haberkern said that thanks to the program they did not have to purchase beef from commercial suppliers during 2021. Haberkern added that the superior quality of the meat has made a difference to their kitchen staff during the cooking process and to the students through its improved taste.

To help support this program, SCSD#2 has been awarded $15,000 in grant funds through the School Protein Enhancement Project and the Wyoming Department of Education. These funds help cover the processing costs of beef from this program, for although the meat is donated purchased at a discount, the school pays for the processing.

The next donation date for processing is November 29, but cows can be received all year, Haberkern said. Cows must be transported to Western Heritage Meat Company and if a rancher is interested in a specific date, they can call Western Heritage (800) 674-3722.

So far this year there have been four cows either donated or purchased, and this has provided beef through the first few months of school.

She added that these same ranchers donated last year as well. All the meat is processed through Western Heritage Meat Company, which is a USDA approved processing plant.

The hope is that this will be a mutually beneficial relationship between SCSD#2 and local ranchers. Haberkern said they want to:

Haberkern would like to thank all those who have participated in the program last year. If you are interested in donating or selling cows to SCSD#2, or talking to students about our ranching heritage in Sheridan County, please contact Food Services Director Leslie Haberkern 307-674-7405 ext. 5003 or email Leslie.haberkern@scsd2.COM