Kansas Soybean Commission Goes To Schools

Kansas families and consumer science teachers can earn money for their classrooms by applying for the Soy in Family & Consumer Sciences Program, sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission. Raylen Phelon, KSC Commissioner, said, “The program can be used to support classrooms through purchasing soy foods or livestock protein including beef, poultry, dairy and pork.” The program seeks to equip students with knowledge of soy ingredients and preparation of soy foods. Reimbursement is offered for the full price of food products purchased for classroom use that contain soy or soy ingredients, and up to half of the money can purchase animal protein or dairy products.

“Funding for our program is so helpful,” Cara Poole, Maize Career Academy participant, said. “I’ve seen how good it is for the students to learn about where soy is and get them thinking outside of tofu. It also is good for them to be able to see what is produced from the land around them.”

The grant is flexible and can be fashioned into existing curricula. Classrooms qualify $3 per student, up to $600 for the entire semester; minimum payment is $75 doll. At the close of the semester, teachers are asked to submit a reimbursement request with receipts highlighting purchases of eligible food products. The reimbursement is then distributed to the school.

“Connecting agriculture into the classroom is important,” Phelon said. “Supporting the use of soy in the classroom allows students to be more familiar and comfortable with it so they are more likely to reach for it throughout their life.” The program also includes lesson plans, recipe ideas and activities to conduct a full unit on soybeans and soy foods.

Application and reimbursement forms can be submitted online at  www.kansassoybeans.org/fcs. or by phone at 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923).