Concordia Food Science delivers five-star dining experience in partnership with McLean Beef

by Hope Nelson

Seward, NE (04/30/2024) — On April 23, the Concordia Agricultural Science program invited students enrolled in its Food Products, Process & Safety class to take part in hosting a five-star dining experience to showcase their learning in the course.

The dining event took place at McLean Beef in York, Neb. There, students, who are mostly juniors and seniors, put into action the skills they gained in Concordia's food science course, properly handling animal products like meat and eggs to prepare high-quality dishes for community members.

The Food Products, Process & Safety course informs students about meat processing and cooking, as well as how milk is made into different dairy products, according to Concordia assistant professor of agriculture and food science course instructor Dr. Kimberly Clark. On April 23, the food science students prepared three different appetizers, four main dishes and three desserts for guests using this knowledge.

"While they were nervous to prepare dishes for guests, the students were excited to share their knowledge about food products and processing," Clark said.

The event was about more than showcasing the students' learning, however; according to Clark, it also taught the students indispensable teamwork skills while giving back to the community.

"They [the food science students] also learned other skills such as leadership, communication and time management in addition to food safety and handling," she said. Students were split up into smaller teams to work on food preparation, which gave them experience working in small group settings.

This year's dining experience was the second time that Concordia's agriculture program has partnered with McLean Beef. The partnership, said Clark, is all about giving back to the community and promoting local agriculture.

"The dining experience and promoting local agriculture falls in line with the mission of McLean Beef," said Clark. "The partnership is a win-win for all. McLean Beef has a great location to host this event, our students utilize their knowledge and showcase the skills learned throughout the semester and community members enjoy a dining experience and food prepared by agricultural science students."

McLean Beef owner Jeanette McLean also commented on the company's appreciation of the event and of the Concordia students involved.

"These Seward Concordia students and instructor Dr. Clark were an absolute joy to have come and use our kitchen and dining room to serve a three-course meal to a full house. The presentations were nice, and we appreciate the students learning the process behind agriculture products," McLean said.

Concordia's agricultural science program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning that prepares students to be leaders in the field of agriculture, wherever they specialize and find their calling.

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