Farm to School Legislation in Oregon
Amy W. sends word of a legislative movement taking place in Oregon with the help of the group EcoTrust. As part of the National Farm to School network, EcoTrust seeks to get local foods onto school menus across the state of Oregon. On its informative website, the group describes some exciting (and successful) initiatives, great models that, if we wanted, could spawn New England counterparts:
“Thanks to previous policy wins, Oregon is the first state in the nation to create positions in both the Oregon Departments of Agriculture and Education focused on school food and garden-based education.
The 2009 legislative agenda is designed to increase the amount of money spent on school food and increase opportunities for garden-based education and literacy related to health, agriculture, and nutrition. As currently proposed, the House Bill allocates up to 15¢ per lunch and 7¢ per breakfast served to incorporate Oregon agricultural products into school meals. To qualify for this state investment, schools must purchase an equal amount of Oregon products using federal school meal funds. Mini-grants to support school gardens and other agriculture and food-based learning programs are also included in the bill.”
Wow. Dare we dream?
