New Law Will Boost Fresh, Locally Grown Foods in Schools

Change Will Bolster Farmers' Sales, Children's Health

December 10, 2008
By: MyBayCity Staff

PRESS RELEASE: State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) today announced that a bipartisan plan to create farm-to school initiatives that will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias is on its way to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

"Michigan is facing tough economic times and it is imperative that we do everything in our power to ensure that our vital agriculture industry continues to thrive," said Mayes, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. "This plan will do just that by sustaining local food production and creating local jobs while helping to boost our children's nutrition through access to fresh foods. Purchasing and serving locally grown foods in our schools is a win-win situation for our farmers, our schools, our children and our communities."

The bipartisan plan will:

* Raise school districts' small-purchasing threshold to $100,000 greatly enhancing schools ability to buy and serve fresh, locally grown Michigan farm products.

* Increase marketing opportunities for Michigan farmers and heighten public awareness of Michigan's agriculture, our second-largest industry.

* Allow school food service directors to include local farmers, processors and suppliers when taking bids for products.

* Encourage schools to serve fresh, locally grown foods and farm products.

"A robust state agricultural industry serving our schools will not only strengthen our economy and help our farmers prosper, but also will give our children fresh, healthy food," Mayes said. "I am very pleased with the bipartisan, bicameral support this plan received and I urge our local school districts to take full advantage of this plan as soon as possible."