Apply for Soy Classroom Funding in Kansas

By Scout Nelson

Kansas family and consumer science teachers have an opportunity to earn funding for their classrooms through the Soy in Family & Consumer Sciences Program, a project supported by the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC). This initiative helps teachers incorporate soy foods and animal proteins into their lesson plans, benefiting students with hands-on learning experiences.

Raylen Phelon, a KSC Commissioner, emphasizes how the program supports classrooms by providing funding for soy foods and livestock protein, such as beef, dairy, poultry, and pork. Teachers can use this program to enhance their curriculum with lessons on nutrition, soy ingredient preparation, and the role of soy in various foods.

The program offers reimbursement for the full price of food products purchased for classroom use, as long as they contain soy or soy ingredients. Additionally, teachers can use up to half of the funds for purchasing animal protein or dairy products.

“Funding for our program is so helpful,” said Cara Poole, Maize Career Academy participant. “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.”

Teachers can implement the program in multiple ways, such as chef competitions, pantry label challenges, and wellness activities. The program offers flexibility, allowing teachers to integrate it into their existing curriculum or create new lessons centered around soy.

Eligible classrooms can earn up to $600 per semester, with $3 per student and a minimum of $75. Reimbursement is processed after teachers submit a request with receipts for eligible purchases.

Phelon stresses the importance of connecting agriculture to the classroom. "By familiarizing students with soy, we encourage them to continue using it and appreciate its origins on family farms," he said.

For more information and to apply, teachers can visit the Kansas Soybean Commission website at www.kansassoybeans.org/fcs.

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