Locally Sourced Beef on the Menu in 2024 for Pryor Students

Posted Date: 01/18/2024

 Starting in January 2024, Pryor school cafeterias will begin serving fresh, locally-grown beef sourced from D Bar Beef, a Mayes County ranch and processor.  “We were awarded $25,000.00 by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to be spent on local food,” said Amy Floch, Director of Child Nutrition, “Our first order includes 899 lbs. of ground beef to be used at all school sites beginning immediately after Christmas break.”

The pasture-raised beef provides a healthy protein choice for students and as noted by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, “strengthens the food system for schools by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain.” 

Floch hopes to expand the district’s locally sourced food options under the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables from surrounding farms could make for a better dining experience for students while cutting costs for the district.  

“Buying directly from local farmers would mean fewer payments to third-party vendors, and we would be supporting our community as well,” Floch explained.