Iowa Beef Grant Brings Real-World Nutrition to the Classroom

Contact: Erin Good, Director of Nutrition & Health, Iowa Beef Industry Council, 515-296-2305

The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) brings real-world nutrition to Iowa classrooms. Over 85 schools participated this past year, reaching 13,000 students through hands-on cooking labs and nutrition education.

The program provides up to $750 per middle or high school foods class to help Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers purchase beef for lessons on nutrition, food safety, and cooking skills.

Why It MAtters

Today's students, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are more food-conscious than ever. The Beef Grant Program helps them discover beef's role in building balanced, protein-rich meals while gaining kitchen skills and confidence they'll use for life.

Erin Good, RD and Director of Nutrition & Health at IBIC, explains, "Our goal is to educate, inspire, and motivate students to fuel their bodies and minds with nutrient-rich beef. Many school-age children and teens fall short on key nutrients like high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and vitamin B12 each day-yet these nutrients are essential for healthy growth, learning and activity. Additionally, being able to cook independently at home as a teen builds valuable life skills."

When it comes to building healthy habits, Erin emphasizes three main barriers: a lack of food knowledge, poor cooking skills, and a lack of kitchen confidence. The Beef Grant Program is working to change that.

FCS teachers say the program is sparking excitement in the classroom:

"One student said their steak fajitas were better than a restaurant's!" - Karina Vander Weerdt, Pella High School

"Students delighted in eating beef lasagna roll-ups and learning how beef is processed in a meat locker. They also studied the career of a butcher." - Dr. Pamela Vande Voort, Pella Christian High School

"It seems that most students are more familiar with chicken and haven't eaten much beef due to cost. While they know about steak, it's seen as a special treat. I enjoy introducing them to different beef cuts and cooking methods to show its versatility. My students are always excited to try new things, and this grant makes it possible!" - Laurie Miles, WACO Community School District

Calling all educators: Don't miss your chance to apply!

Thanks to the continued support of Iowa's cattle producers, this grant is helping bring beef education to life in schools across the state, ensuring that future generations grow up with the knowledge and appreciation for the beef they're putting on their plates.

FCS teachers can apply for the 2025-2026 grant at https://www.iabeef.org/education/family-and-consumer-science-teachers.

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About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit https://www.iabeef.org.