Fairbury Public Schools asking public for help with 'Farm2School' Program
'Farm2School' was started in 2017 as a way to feed Fairbury students homegrown goods from local producers, such as pork, beef and produce.
By News Channel Nebraska
FAIRBURY - Fairbury Public Schools is beginning the third year of its 'Farm2School' Program, as the 2019-20 school year approaches.
'Farm2School' was started in 2017 as a way to feed Fairbury students homegrown goods from local producers, such as pork, beef and produce.
"In the past, we've served what we'd call commodity meats," Fairbury superintendent Stephen Grizzle said, "and let's just be honest - it's not the same quality we get from local producers."
FPS currently has a 'six-hog per month' deal with nearby Plymouth Ag Group. Grizzle says this agreement costs the district about $1,200 a month in processing fees.
"As the school year nears, we need to budget for that," Grizzle said. "It's time to start asking for donations, and if people want to help with the processing costs. We love being able to serve the local meat. It's awesome. The kids love it."
Grizzle says the school also receives beef, or additional pork, donated by individuals in the community. They'll also take all kinds of produce from the local area.
Of the 250 school districts in Nebraska, Grizzle estimates about 50 them have a program similar to Fairbury's 'Farm2School.'
"We're promoting local, homegrown foods," he said. "It's positive advertising for local producers. It's getting their names out there, so I think it's a win-win for everybody."