Valley Grove School District Gets Ahead of New Nutrition Guidelines Through PA Beef to PA Schools

FRANKLIN, Pa. —February 17, 2026 — As national school nutrition guidance increasingly emphasizes nutrient-dense, high-quality protein, Valley Grove School District is already ahead of the curve. Through its participation in the PA Beef to PA Schools (PBPS) program, the Venango County district is serving fresh, locally raised beef that aligns with updated nutrition priorities while supporting area farmers.

The PA Beef to PA Schools (PBPS) program connects school districts with local cattle producers to supply high-quality beef at an affordable price. The goal of the program is to provide school students with more beef, more often, on their school lunch trays. 

Now in its second year in the program, Valley Grove partners with Jim McCall of McCall Farms in Franklin, receiving monthly deliveries of fresh ground beef that are featured in student-favorite meals across the district. 

Smith noted that the program aligns closely with evolving national nutrition guidance that places greater emphasis on nutrient-dense foods.

“With the updated food guide priorities focusing on nutrient-dense options, this program puts us one step ahead of the game,” said Holly Smith, Director of Food and Nutrition for The Nutrition Group. “It’s moving schools in the right direction with new guidance, and we’re glad we got involved.” 

Smith shares that the district’s involvement began with community support. “A parent who was familiar with the program reached out to the school and the school board,” Smith explained. “That’s how we got on board with it, and we’re so glad we did.”

Building Excitement from Day One

Valley Grove serves approximately 900 students across two buildings, a PreK–6 elementary school and a 7–12 junior-senior high school. In this small, rural district, introducing local beef has quickly become a highlight of the school year. 

 Smith kicks off the program each year with a fan-favorite: made-to-order smash burgers. 

“We start with smash burgers to build excitement,” she said. “Our chef makes smash burgers to order for adults, and we feature them with all the toppings for students. It really helps create enthusiasm right from the beginning.”

After launch, the district incorporates the remaining beef into one of its most popular menu staples: Taco Tuesday. “We use the rest of the beef for Taco Tuesdays at each school,” Smith said. “It’s a student favorite. It’s been great to offer fresh beef each week.”

Currently, Valley Grove uses approximately 120 pounds of local beef per month, ensuring students consistently have access to fresh, high-quality protein.

For Smith, the benefits extend beyond compliance or menu variety. Valley Grove’s participation in PBPS focuses on serving meals that students genuinely enjoy while supporting the local economy.

“We love how we’re able to serve high-quality protein while supporting Jim and local farmers,” she said. “Everyone’s loving it, both staff and students.”

Supporting Local, Serving Students

As a rural district with many students who grow up around farms, the local connection resonates. 

“We have a lot of country kids who love it,” Smith said. “They know where it’s coming from and they appreciate that they’re getting high-quality protein at school.” 

Valley Grove proudly promotes its partnership with McCall Farms, reinforcing the connection between the cafeteria and the surrounding agricultural community. That relationship strengthens trust not only in the meal being served but also in the people behind the scenes, from farmers to cafeteria staff who work hard to put great-tasting, great-quality food on students’ lunch trays. 

“It’s needed,” Smith said. “We all need that good, high-quality protein. Every child deserves a good meal in school. It’s beneficial for our bodies and necessary for growth, learning, and overall health. To be able to provide that in rural or urban schools is a great thing.”

Now in its third year in the PBPS program, Valley Grove School District continues to demonstrate the power of community support, strong partnerships, and quality local ingredients to impact students’ wellbeing one lunch tray at a time.

To learn more about PBPS contact Nichole Hockenberry, PA Beef Council Executive Director at [email protected] or 1-888-4BEEFPA.

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The Pennsylvania Beef Council is a producer-controlled and funded organization, which administers the Beef Checkoff Program in Pennsylvania. The Beef Checkoff Program assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.