New Program Brings Montana Beef to Shelby’s School Lunches

School lunches are getting a little bit of reshaping in one Montana school district, and I have to say that I am jealous of students who will have this opportunity.  I mean, don't get me wrong, pizza day was awesome, but man, a juicy hamburger would sure be good as well.

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A new program coming to the Shelby schools will be bringing Montana raised beef to the school lunch tables, but they will need the help of local ranchers and cattle breeders to make it happen for the hungry students.

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New Program Brings Montana Beef to Shelby's School Lunches

The new ShelBeef - Local Beef to Schools program is the brainstorm of Jeff Flesch and Dr. Chad Scarborough.  After forming the idea in early 2026, the group met with the local Shelby School Cafeteria employees and learned that beef is only served 4 times per month at the school.

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Most of that meat is a "beef-type" meat that requires rehydration to be served.  ShelBeef is hoping that with the help of local ranchers, the school could be able to serve real beef products up to at least 8 times per month.

The goal for the Local Beef to School program is for donations of 10 "burger only" cattle to help sustain the program each year.  The group also added that monetary donations are also being accepted to help offset costs of processing the beef through Up North Meats in Shelby, Montana.

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As the program expands, organizers are working to help other schools with the program.  To learn more about ShelBeef - Local Beef to School Program, contact Scarborough at 406-470-0712.  Donations go directly to the school and are tax deductible.