The Kansas Beef Council’s (KBC) Beef Certificate Program reached 21,784 students across 142 middle and high schools during the 2025 to 2026 academic year, providing hands-on culinary and nutrition education in 58 counties statewide.
Funded directly by the Beef Checkoff, the initiative reimburses Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and ProStart classrooms for beef purchases, empowering the next generation of consumers with practical kitchen skills and food-safety knowledge.
Hands-On Kitchen Experience
Through the program, educators receive financial reimbursements scaled to class size and school classification to purchase fresh beef for cooking labs. Alongside financial support, KBC provides more than 10 standards-based lesson plans and instructional resources at no cost to participating schools.
The curriculum covers essential culinary competencies, including cut selection, safe handling and storage, preparation techniques and balanced human nutrition.
“These classroom labs give students the chance to select, handle, and cook beef themselves, and that hands-on experience builds confidence they’ll carry into their own kitchens and grocery stores,” says Abby Heidari, RDN, LD, director of nutrition for the Kansas Beef Council. “We’re grateful to the FCS and ProStart teachers who bring these lessons to life and to the Kansas beef producers whose Checkoff investment makes it all possible.”
Expanding Meat Science and Culinary Talent
Beyond standard classroom lessons, KBC collaborated with the California Beef Council to produce “Beef: Processing to Plate,” a virtual learning series that connects students directly to meat science and processing safety. The recorded series remains accessible to educators for ongoing classroom instruction.
Kansas beef producers also continue to invest in emerging foodservice talent through state culinary sponsorships. At the March 2026 Kansas ProStart Invitational, Eudora High School took home top honors, winning the competition’s Best Beef Dish award.
Applications Open
KBC is currently accepting Beef Certificate Program applications for the 2026 to 2027 school year.
- Who is eligible: Kansas middle school and high school FCS and ProStart teachers.
- How to apply: Applications can be completed online at kansasbeef.org.
- Contact: Teachers with questions can email Abby Heidari
