AGRICULTURE »» FARMER SUPPORT »» LOCAL FARMS »» Jul 03, 2023

There are now about 2 million American farms, 80% of which are small farms that are mostly family owned. An increasing number of these farmers are selling their products directly to the public through local food markets such as farmers markets, farm stands, food cooperatives and Community Support Agriculture programs. There are now nearly 8,000 farmers markets throughout the U.S. and our Agriculture Department estimates that local food sales now account for at least $5 billion annually. Local and regional agriculture has become a major economic driver in the farm economy, benefitting many of our small farmers. Consumers, including school districts, may now purchase fresh, organically-grown produce at a reasonable cost. Supporters promote the fact that fruits and vegetables sold within 24 hours of being harvested are fresher, more nutritious and taste better than produce which has been shipped from more distant locations. Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.5249 - Small Farm to School Act of 2021 Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI) I oppose reforming current local farm policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA). I support awarding three-year grants to eight states or tribal organizations to provide school food authorities with an increased reimbursement for free and reduced price lunches that include at least one component that is comprised entirely of locally-produced and unprocessed foods procured directly from certain agricultural producers by: 1.) Selecting at least one state or tribal organization located in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Midwest Region, the Mountain Plains Region, the Northeast Region, (5) the Southern Region, the Southwest Region, and the Western Region. 2.) Giving the highest priority to applications that propose to carry out certain projects, including projects that serve a high proportion of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and increase the availability of locally-produced foods to children. Additionally, priority must be given to states or tribal organizations with a high quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables on a per capita basis, and with a demonstrated commitment to farm-to-school activities. 3.) Requiring each state or tribal organization that receives a grant must provide, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 100% of the awarded grant amount. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» I support awarding three-year grants to eight states or tribal organizations to provide school food authorities with an increased reimbursement for free and reduced price lunches that include at least one component that is comprised entirely of locally-produced and unprocessed foods procured directly from certain agricultural producers by: 1.) Selecting at least one state or tribal organization located in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Midwest Region, the Mountain Plains Region, the Northeast Region, (5) the Southern Region, the Southwest Region, and the Western Region. 2.) Giving the highest priority to applications that propose to carry out certain projects, including projects that serve a high proportion of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and increase the availability of locally-produced foods to children. Additionally, priority must be given to states or tribal organizations with a high quantity and variety of growers of local fruits and vegetables on a per capita basis, and with a demonstrated commitment to farm-to-school activities. 3.) Requiring each state or tribal organization that receives a grant must provide, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 100% of the awarded grant amount. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

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