Hawaii Public Schools Serve Local Beef in December

This month, Hawaii public schools are serving locally raised, grass-fed beef in its hamburger patties. Elementary and middle school students will be served teri hamburger steak, while high school students will enjoy teri loco moco lunches.

This is part of the Hawaii State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) effort to include more fresh local agriculture in student meals. It is made possible through a joint partnership with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the State Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and the Hawaii Beef Industry Council.

“This is a great step forward in providing healthy options in our meal program and working with partners to make these opportunities possible,” said Superintendent Christina Kishimoto. “We appreciate the support of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and the Hawaii Beef Industry Council. Their partnership allows our students to understand the connection and importance of local agriculture.”

In 2015, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui spearheaded a partnership effort called, the “Farm to School Initiative” (currently known as the ‘Aina Pono: Farm to School program), with HIDOE, the Department of Agriculture and The Kohala Center to increase local food in school lunches using products from the local community.

The Farm to School Initiative addresses the supply and demand issues surrounding the purchasing of local food for our State school cafeterias. The Initiative also aims to systematically increase state purchasing of local food for our school menus as well as connect our keiki with the ‘āina (land) through their food, using products from the local agricultural community.

“This initiative is a major game-changer in the way we are feeding our kids in schools. Along with changing what our keiki eat, we are serving them food made with local, fresh ingredients,” said Lt. Governor Tsutsui. “This is a win-win for our students because they eat healthier, and for our farmers and ranchers because we are supporting our local agricultural industry.”

Today, the Farm to School Initiative is included under ‘Aina Pono, which HIDOE has now adopted as its own. In addition to school gardens, nutrition, agriculture, health and food education, ‘Aina Pono has expanded to include test kitchens, meal programs, menu planning and efforts to include more fresh local agriculture in student meals.

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‘Aina Pono Harvest Recipe

Paniolo Beef Patty

Want to recreate the delicious school meal at home? Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• ¾ pounds raw ground beef (no more than 20% fat)
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 1 fresh large egg
• 4 teaspoons beef stock, non-MSG (Follow instructions on package for desired quantity)
• 4 teaspoons instant nonfat dry milk
• 7 teaspoons fresh onions, chopped
• ½ teaspoon fresh garlic, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped
• 1¾ dried parsley
• Ground black or white pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until well mixed. DO NOT OVERMIX.
2. Portion into ⅜-cup patties. Flatten each patty into an oval shape.
3. Bake in conventional oven: 350° F for 25 to 30 minutes. Convection oven: 300° F for 15 to 20 minutes. Recommended: Heat oven to 165° F or higher for at least 15 seconds before baking.
4. For food safety: Hold for hot service at 135° F or higher.
5. Optional: Top with your favorite teriyaki sauce.

Nutrition information – Serving size: 1 patty; 190 calories; 10 g total fat; 4 g saturated fat; 6 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 17 g protein; 176 mg sodium.

(Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. Nutrient levels may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients, etc. Value of the menu item is listed in grams (g) of carbohydrates rounded to the nearest whole number. While we do our best to ensure accuracy, we make no representation or warranty regarding the information contained in this document. Although we are providing nutritional information for our menus, the information in this document is for informational purposes only. No information, services or materials offered shall be construed as or understood to be medical advice or care.)