Groups Seek Funding Boost for Farm to School Program

(KNSI) – As lawmakers continue to go back and forth over the latest budget at the capitol, child advocates hope legislators will boost funding for a program linking school lunches with locally-grown food.

Schools can use grants from a Farm to School program to buy produce and other items from nearby farms and serve them in cafeterias.

Alexandria Public Schools Food Service Director Janeen Peterson says there’s a clear benefit as it hasn’t traveled “Thousands of miles on truck, or a even on a ship. And the nutrient content and the quality of the product is much better, usually, when we purchase locally.”

Supporters say another benefit is providing economic stability for local producers. However, they warn buying locally is sometimes more expensive.

The funding project was recently launched with limited state aid. Its advocates are hoping for more money during budget talks. Both sides have initially agreed on this, although the Senate proposes a modest increase.

Peterson points out that, no matter their background, she sees a consistent lack of nutrition in students’ diets, which isn’t ideal as their brains develop. She says Farm to School not only helps with access – it’s a learning tool as well.

“We can go the extra mile by having the farmers come in talk to our students about where their foods come from.”

Supporters see helping producers on the local supply chain as crucial as communities recover in a post-COVID economy.
While some lawmakers may question allocating more money, supporters say the outlook is much better as state revenue forecasts have improved.

The 2021 Minnesota legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on May 17th.

___