Legislator Announces Plan To Assist Local Growers And Keep Children Healthy
Mayes: Schools Should Offer Fresh, Locally Grown Food
August 17, 2008
By: MyBayCity Staff
State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City)
LANSING - State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) today announced a bipartisan plan to create farm-to school initiatives which will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias.
"Purchasing and serving local foods in our schools is great for our farmers, schools and children," Mayes said. "This program will not only teach our children to eat healthier, but will also help our farmers and boost our local economy. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the importance of agriculture, our second largest industry here in Michigan."
The bipartisan plan aims to:
Promote job creation around farm-to-school initiatives.
Implement food preparation training for food service staff.
Encourage school food service directors to include local farmers, processors and suppliers when taking bids for products.
Urge new school construction projects to consider kitchen facilities capable of producing fresh and healthy school meals, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
"The benefits of this plan are beyond measure," Mayes said. "By serving local products in our schools we can help strengthen our economy, improve our children's nutrition and promote a positive impact on our air, land and water. Simple steps such as serving homegrown products in our schools will help keep our agriculture industry strong and create a healthier Michigan."