Empowering Education with Beef
"Beef for the Classroom is a unique opportunity to enhance student learning by bringing hands-on, real-world education to the kitchen and beyond"
Utica, NY (January 2025)– The New York Beef Council (NYBC), in partnership with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, is proud to announce the 2024-2025 Beef for the Classroom Grant launch. This program is designed to support educators in New York State by reimbursing beef purchases used in teaching food, nutrition, and agriculture education.
The grant offers up to $150 per school year for Family and Consumer Science, Agriculture, 4-H educators, and Culinary instructors who teach students about beef’s role in a balanced diet, proper cooking techniques, and its significance in the agricultural industry.
“Beef for the Classroom is a unique opportunity to enhance student learning by bringing hands-on, real-world education to the kitchen and beyond,” said Chrissy Claudio, Program Coordinator at the NYBC. “We’re excited to support educators who inspire the next generation to better understand the importance of beef in our food system.”
Grant Highlights
- Who is Eligible: Family and Consumer Science, Agriculture, 4-H Educators, and Culinary instructors in New York State teaching a beef-focused unit.
- Grant Amount: Up to $150 per school year to cover beef and necessary ingredients.
- Covered Expenses: Funds can be used only for classroom/lab settings, not for school BBQs or other events.
Educators must complete the Beef for the Classroom Application Form and obtain approval before making purchases. Lessons may be conducted at any time during the school year, and reimbursement requests must be submitted by July 1, 2025.
To receive reimbursement, educators are required to submit:
- Receipts for beef purchases (with the store name included)
- The completed Beef for the Classroom Evaluation Form
This program is an excellent resource for educators to create meaningful lessons that explore nutrition, food preparation, and agricultural science. By integrating beef into classroom education, students gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of the food system. For more information or to apply, visit the New York Beef Council website or contact Chrissy Claudio at [email protected] or 315-339-6922.
About the New York Beef Council
The New York Beef Council is committed to advancing beef as a top choice for consumers while supporting the state’s cattle producers. Through education and outreach programs, the NYBC connects communities to the benefits of beef and its role in a healthy, sustainable diet.
About the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle and a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents of the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.