[One way to start promoting a more resilient local food system is to get fresh local foods into schools, which both promotes better health and eating habits and supports local growers. Building these relationships, though, takes time. As Oregon State Representative Brian Clem said, "It takes years to develop new supplier relationships, now is the time to do this, we can’t wait." (Ecotrust, Jan 2008). Oregon schools' efforts to develop Farm to School programs have been aided by the nonprofit EcoTrust. -Ed.]

More Oregon produce on local students’ lunch trays? You bet, the Oregon Legislature decided [in February].

By a unanimous vote, the Oregon Senate joined the House in strong support of a bill to create a pilot Farm-to-School and School Garden Program in the Oregon Department of Education. House Bill 3601 now goes to the Governor for his signature.

"Everyone wins with this bill," said Portland Public Schools Board Director Ruth Adkins. "Students get delicious local foods, farmers and producers get a new market, and our schools have a chance to teach about healthy eating and the environment. Thanks to the Legislature for acting now in Oregon’s interest."

The bill creates a position in the Oregon Department of Education to match one created last year in the Oregon Department of Agriculture – with both employees working to help school districts serve kids more foods from Oregon farms and local processors.

The pilot farm-to-school program created in House Bill 3601 also would help schools bring more produce from school gardens into school meals, and would promote food and garden-based educational activities in our schools. These activities would be coordinated to support districts’ local wellness policies.

Photo credit: Beth Kanter