LANSING – The Michigan House on Tuesday passed a plan co-sponsored by State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac) to create farm-to-school initiatives that will help make fresh, locally grown foods available in school cafeterias.
"Michigan's agriculture production ranks amongst the highest in the country and is a significant part of our special way of life," Melton said. "I can't think of a better way to teach our children about this important industry. Serving locally grown food in our schools will also keep our children healthy and give a boost to our local farmers."
The bipartisan plan passed by the House 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.
- Incorporate the Select-Michigan Program into schools to help designate farm products grown, processed, or manufactured in Michigan.
- 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.
- Designate October 5-11 as "Michigan Harvest for Michigan Kids Week."
Agriculture employs over 1 million Michigan residents and creates an annual economic impact of over $60 billion. Expanding market opportunities for Michigan farmers will preserve and strengthen local food production and help increase the significant contribution that agriculture makes to Michigan's economy.
"This plan will help ensure the success of farm-to-school programs throughout our great state," Melton said. "A strong agricultural industry is vital to strengthening our economy and creating jobs for our workers. Passing this plan is just one of many ways my colleagues and I are working to move Michigan forward."