Parker Ranch delivers locally raised beef to Big Island public schools
About 4,000 pounds of ground beef will be delivered each month, helping provide students with food produced right here at home and supporting a broader effort to strengthen local agriculture and Hawaiʻi's food system.
Parker Ranch in Waimea on the Big Island — one of the largest and most historic cattle ranches in the United States — marked an important milestone Aug. 25 as it began delivering locally raised beef to island public schools.
The deliveries are part of a new contract with Parker Ranch in partnership with Hāmākua Meat Processors and Hawaiʻi Department of Education.
About 4,000 pounds of ground beef will be delivered each month by Parker Ranch, helping provide Hawaiʻi Island public school students with food produced right here at home and supporting a broader effort to strengthen local agriculture and Hawaiʻi’s food system.
“We’re proud to continue supporting our local schools and providing Parker Ranch beef for Hawaiʻi Island keiki,” said Parker Ranch Chief Executive Officer Micah Kane in a release. “For us, this is about more than delivering beef. It’s about strengthening the connection between local agriculture and the communities we serve.”
The new contract reflects the longstanding commitment of the nearly 180-year-old Parker Ranch to Hawaiʻi Island and its role as a working cattle ranch rooted in Waimea.
Supplying locally raised beef to public schools helps keep more food production and purchasing within the local economy while introducing students to food raised on their own island.
Parker Ranch, which was founded in 1847, is grateful to be part of the food journey from its pasturelands and herds to Big Island school cafeterias and classrooms. The ranch also looks forward to continuing the partnership.
