WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH) is pleased to announce today she joined with Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) in introducing the Farm to School Act of 2015, legislation to expand the USDA’s highly successful Farm to School grant program.  Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) introduced identical legislation today in the U.S. Senate.

This bipartisan legislation expands participation in the Farm to School program to preschools, after-school programs and summer food service sites, and increases annual funding from $5 million to $15 million.  Demand for participation has consistently outpaced available funding.  In its first three years, USDA was able to fund less than 20 percent of requests.

“I have seen enthusiastic support for the Farm to School program among schools in my Ohio district and the benefits are undeniable.  Access to nutritious, locally grown foods gives our children a healthy start in life,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“The Farm to School program helps children develop good eating habits that reduce the risk of childhood obesity and prevent health risks associated with obesity such as diabetes and heart disease. Through this legislation, we can reach more children in the critical, early-development stage before the age of five.  Expanding Farm to School will also impact more at-risk children.  Let’s not waste the opportunity.  This program is good for our kids and good for America’s farmers.” 

Through competitive grants, participating schools, nonprofit organizations, and local, state and tribal governments are able to help schools offer locally grown, fresh food to students, expanding markets for farmers, fishers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs.  The Act also includes provisions targeting increased participation from beginning, veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.  The Farm to School Act of 2015 has the support of the National Farm to School Network and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

Click here to see a copy of the bill.

Click here to see a fact sheet.

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