By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
In a new partnership announced late last month, Pike-Delta-York Local School District is now sourcing beef for its student meals from Dreamland Farms in Wauseon.
According to a release issued by the district, Dreamland is owned and operated by Saul Triana, a Wauseon FFA alumnus.
It opened in March 2024 with three Wagyu steers before expanding due to increased demand for premium, locally raised beef.
The district began purchasing and serving beef from nearly 50 percent F1 Wagyu cross and 100 percent native Angus/Simmental cross steers in January.
“I’ve always felt a strong pull to give back because as a former student I remember how much the community supported me,” Triana said in the release.
“Now I get to return that support in a meaningful way. All our calves are born and raised right here in Northwest Ohio, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community and the school for giving me the opportunity to give back.”
The release states that the district has a long-term goal of transitioning to 100 percent locally grown beef in all applicable menu items, while also reducing costs by increasing scratch cooking and sourcing locally.
The release also states that the district’s food service program is “fully self-sustaining and operates without the use of local taxpayer dollars.”
Superintendent Doug Ford said the farm approached the district last year with its desire to give back to the district.
According to Ford, the farm agreed to match the commodity pricing the district was receiving from its regional food supplier at the time. He said all the meat is USDA inspected and approved.
“We are incredibly proud to integrate locally raised beef into our school menus. This initiative is about more than just providing a high quality meal; it’s about investing back into the community that supports us.
“By sourcing directly from our local producers, we are ensuring our students receive the freshest, most nutritious ingredients possible,” Ford said.
He said the district is looking to build more local relationships and partnerships to improve students’ quality of life.
“This is the first step in a broader vision to bridge the gap between our classrooms and our local economy through meaningful educational partnerships, sustainable sourcing, and a shared commitment to our community’s future,” Ford said.
