Armstrong School District Strengthens Local Connections Through PA Beef to PA Schools

KITTANING, Pa. — February 25, 2026 — For the Armstrong School District, the decision to participate in the PA Beef to PA Schools Program (PBPS) started with one simple idea: keep it local.

Now in its third year of participation, the district continues to serve fresh, locally raised ground beef supplied by Jim McCall of McCall Farms, reinforcing community connections while delivering high-quality meals to students across the district.

Food Service Director Meredith Bailey first learned about the program at a school nutrition conference, where she connected with Pennsylvania Beef Council Executive Director Nichole Hockenberry. The opportunity to purchase locally raised beef, supported by grant funding that helped offset costs, made the decision easy. 

“The biggest thing for us was that it was local,” Bailey said. “Once we started using it, you could immediately tell the difference when you’re cooking with it. It’s finer, it smells great, and the flavor is outstanding.” 

Practical Benefits in the Kitchen

Armstrong School District serves eight schools: two high schools and six elementary schools. It also prepares meals for Adelphi, Grace Christian School, and local Head Start programs. The district uses approximately 500 pounds of local beef per month, primarily for popular menu items such as tacos and spaghetti with meat sauce; the district also serves Shepherd’s Pie and ultimate nachos.

Bailey noted that the quality and packaging of McCall Farms’ beef have made kitchen operations smoother and more efficient. “The way Jim packages the beef is perfect,” she explained. “We work with five-pound packages. At many of our smaller schools, our staff don’t want to open a 20-pound package of beef. This makes it easier for our staff, and they really enjoy working with it.”

Previously, the district supplemented its meat sauce with a protein extender. Today, local beef stands on its own. “It’s finer, high quality, and not as chunky, which the students really like,” Bailey added.

Building Trust and Community Pride

Beyond the kitchen, the partnership has strengthened relationships among schools and the local agricultural community.

To promote the PBPS program, the district advertises on its menus that the beef comes from McCall Farms, and last year, staff members led readings in elementary classrooms to help students understand where their food comes from.

 “The kids were excited to learn it was a local farmer,” Bailey said. “They relate more to what we’re serving. They understand it’s not coming from somewhere far away. When they see cows in the pasture, they make that connection.” 

In a rural community like Armstrong, that connection matters. Teachers, students, and school board members have embraced the program, often commenting on the importance of supporting local farms and businesses.

“I get a lot of feedback that we’re supporting farmers in our area,” Bailey shared. “Board members ask about it. Our community sees that support, and in turn, they support that business.” 

For Bailey, the impact goes beyond flavor and freshness. “I think it’s important to participate in programs like PBPS because you’re supporting local businesses in the community,” she said. “Students recognize that their meal is coming from McCall’s farm. It establishes trust and appreciation between the student and the cafeteria staff. There’s trust in where they’re getting their food and an appreciation that their food was produced right in their community.”

That trust extends beyond the cafeteria line. By sourcing locally, the district helps keep dollars circulating in Pennsylvania communities, strengthening local economies, agriculture, and education. 

“It’s nice to see local businesses making it,” Bailey said. “I want to support businesses in our area and see them grow and thrive.” 

Through PA Beef to PA Schools, the Armstrong School District is demonstrating that when farms and schools work together, everyone benefits, especially students.

PHOTO 1: Armstrong School District Students enjoy Ultimate Nachos made from beef procured through the PA Beef to PA Schools program.

 PHOTO 2: Elementary school students in Armstrong School District gather for tacos made with beef procured through the PA Beef to PA Schools program. 

 PHOTO 3: Education is a key component of Armstrong School District’s participation in the PA Beef to PA School Program. 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.