Beef Council Showcases School Meal Innovation

By Blake Jackson

The New York Beef Council (NYBC) recently participated in the New York School Nutrition Innovation Conference, a key event that brings together school nutrition experts, industry leaders, and food professionals. This platform allowed NYBC to promote the inclusion of beef in nutritious, balanced school meals.

In partnership with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Julie Raway, NYBC led a live cooking demonstration featuring a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. This tasty and student-friendly recipe was designed to meet school meal nutrition standards while appealing to student preferences. The sandwich also highlighted beef’s role in helping increase the intake of vegetables and grains.

Julie Raway, MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, FAND, guided 70 attendees through the cooking process. She also discussed practical strategies to incorporate beef into school menus while maintaining both nutritional value and flavor. Throughout the session, she responded to questions and provided helpful tips for bringing the recipe into school kitchens.

Attendees actively participated in the session and expressed enthusiasm about the sandwich’s potential for school lunch programs. After the demo, participants enjoyed the Philly Cheesesteak during the conference lunch, giving them a chance to experience its taste and quality firsthand.

“This event was a wonderful opportunity to showcase how beef can be a flavorful, flexible, and nutritious option for school meals,” said Ashley Scoones, Executive Director of the New York Beef Council. “We’re proud to support the professionals who nourish our students daily and to help bring more high-quality protein to their menus.”

The event was made possible through NYBC’s collaboration with the Nebraska and Kansas Beef Councils. It reflects NYBC’s dedication to working with school food professionals and partners like Julie Raway to improve the quality of meals served to students across New York.

By promoting high-quality protein sources in schools, NYBC continues to support the health and wellness of students while empowering food service teams across the state.

Photo Credit: istock-123ducu