ISBE seeks to procure locally sourced ground beef for distribution to Illinois schools, in accordance with the following specifications and eligibility criteria: “Local” is defined as beef derived from cattle that have been raised on a farm or ranch located within the State of Illinois and subsequently processed at a USDA-inspected facility also located within Illinois. 100% ground beef (may include a variety of cuts, including chuck, rib, loin, sirloin, round) Product shall contain 100% pure beef with no fillers or additives. The use of extenders, binders, water, soy protein, vegetable proteins, or any other non-beef substances is strictly prohibited. 85/15 percentage fat USDA Choice or Prime Wet-aged Hormone free Frozen Packaging Requirements: Product must be packed in 40-pound (lb.) cases. ISBE prefers each case to contain four (4) individually vacuum-sealed 10 lb. packages. However, with prior ISBE approval, alternative configurations will be accepted, provided the total weight per case remains 40 lbs. Acceptable alternatives include, but are not limited to, forty (40) 1 lb. vacuum-sealed packages or eight (8) 5 lb. vacuum-sealed packages per case.
