May: National Beef Month Initiative
Over the past two years, the National Beef Month initiative in Monroe and Shelby Counties has grown into a meaningful, collaborative effort to strengthen food security, promote healthy protein consumption, and connect agriculture with community well-being. Led by the Monroe and Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association in partnership with University of Missouri Extension, this initiative demonstrates the power of sustained partnerships and local leadership to address community needs.
In both 2024 and 2025, the initiative leveraged National Beef Month to distribute 708 pounds of ground beef each year through local food banks in Bethel, Faith Walk Ministries, Monroe City, and Shelbina. Each year, approximately 708 households receive one pound of high-quality beef, ensuring equitable access to a nutrient-dense protein source. With a market value of $5.37 per pound, the annual contribution totaled $3,801.96, resulting in a two-year community investment of more than $7,600 in nutritious food for families facing food insecurity.
Beyond food distribution, the initiative expanded its reach to include youth nutrition education. Over the two-year period, 320 beef sticks were donated to third-grade students across seven school districts, including North Shelby, South Shelby, Paris, Holliday, Madison, Middle Grove, and Monroe City. These efforts promoted healthy snacking habits and supported students during high-stress academic periods such as state testing.
MU Extension played a central coordinating role, supporting logistics, data collection, and community outreach while integrating Nutrition Education resources. Each household receiving beef also received SNAP enrollment information and Quick and Easy Beef Skillet recipe cards, reinforcing food literacy and maximizing the long-term value of the donation.
The continued commitment of team members including Extension professionals, Extension Council leadership, agricultural advocates, and community volunteers has been critical to the initiative’s success. As a result of this sustained collaboration, the Monroe and Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association has committed to continuing the beef donation annually, ensuring ongoing support for local families while strengthening ties between agriculture, nutrition education, and community health.
By sustaining the National Beef Month initiative into 2026 and beyond, the partnership has moved from a single-month celebration to a long-term, community-driven model that delivers measurable impact, strengthens food security, supports youth wellness, and reinforces the connection between local agriculture and healthy, resilient communities.
