You can incorporate local beef as ground beef in an entree recipe like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Incorporate local ground beef into a lasagna, a tot casserole recipe as a slider, or in a soup.
If you are planning a taste test try making a mini, one-bite burger with your student’s favorite topping by portioning a full patty and bun into wedges. Share a feedback form for older students or provide a voting system for younger students to give your eaters a voice, including them in the menu process.
The Illinois Taste Test Toolkit provides best practices and creative ideas for Illinois grown foods. You can access the toolkit for download on all four of the Registered Site pages. Check out the toolkit on the Schools and School District page here.
Included in this toolkit are featured curriculum connections for beef, along with recipes for food service, early childcare and recipes for home to connect parents to your local food education and activities.
Featured Food Facts
Agricultural Facts:
- Illinois beef cattle genetics are developed to be suitable for a variety of climates.
- Illinois has many beef breeds including Angus, Beefmaster, Brangus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Santa Gertrudis, Senepol, and Simmental.
- 96% of Illinois farms are owned by families working to improve land, water and natural resources for the next generation to farm.
Nutrition and Food Facts:
- Beef is an excellent source of protein and supplies 10 essential nutrients including B-vitamins, zinc, and iron that support an active and healthy lifestyle.
- If there was a protein contest, beef would surely be crowned the king! One 3 oz. cooked serving of beef provides 25 grams, roughly 50% of your Daily Value, of this important nutrient that supports strong, lean bodies—making it an excellent source.
Literature and Lore:
- A cow in the Viking creation myth licked a block of salty ice until a man appeared.
- The Yeomen of the Guard at the Tower of London have been known as “Beefeaters” since the 15th century.
- A medieval poem called London Lickpenny mentions street sellers selling beef ribs and hot beef pies.
- Ancient cultures believed that consuming beef would bring them good fortune and protection. Gods and heroes in mythology often consumed or offered beef, representing power and virility. The consumption of beef in folklore often represents abundance, strength, and prosperity.
- Around the world during festivals and celebrations, dishes made with beef take center stage. They represent abundance, prosperity, and communal feasting. The consumption of beef during these special occasions is believed to bring good luck, strength, and vitality to participants, further enhancing the festive spirit.
- In India the consumption of beef is a contentious issue due to religious and cultural factors. While Hindus consider cows sacred and abstain from beef-eating, there are many Indians, particularly Muslims, who include beef in their diet.
Spread the word and build partnerships
Don’t be a solo act. Invite your community to the table!
Promote in-house:
- Announcements
- Newsletters
- Website
- Social media
- Events (health fairs, open houses, garden working events, back to school, holiday activities, parents night, sporting events)
- Meetings (PTO, wellness committee, board of directors, staff professional learning days)
- Food tastings during events
Promote in your community:
- Report on activities and share pictures with news sources
- Share with community partners for their websites, social media and newsletters
- Post fliers at public places (libraries, health centers, non-profit hospitals, garden groups, local farm hubs, farmers markets, health agencies)
- Ask students to create and publicize local food stories – include photos or create videos
Invite others onsite to get involved:
- Build impact by engaging culinary arts, Future Farmers of America, wellness, botany, ecocentric and garden programs
- Create relationships and engage non-profit hospitals, garden groups, local farm hubs, farmers markets, health agencies and advocates
- Host a mini farmers market at your site as an outside seasonal market or an inside winter market to provide backpack foods or raise awareness of local foods in your area
- Find support in local culinary leaders, educators, and businesses
Menu Icons
Recipes
We have many recipes for you to look through in our Recipe Index. Here you can see take-home recipes for use in the community as well as more choices for your cafeteria. We have hot and cold recipes for most foods. Be sure to use the provided icons on your menu!
Featured Food Service Recipe #1: Sweet and Sloppy Joe
Featured Food Service Recipe #2: Polish Golabski Soup(Stuffed Cabbage Soup)
Featured CACFP Recipe: Coming soon!
Featured Home Recipe: Coming soon!