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Sen. Chuck Schumer says he won't block Republican funding bill amid Democratic divisions over shutdown strategy; Health and climate: A growing crisis in Florida; PA faith leader part of TX protest of oil, gas subsidies; AZ groups file lawsuits to limit effects of Elon Musk's DOGE.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Ohio schools bring local farms to lunch trays with USDA funding

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Thursday, October 24, 2024   

This October, Ohio schools are celebrating National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $700 million in new funding for the Local Foods for Schools and Local Foods for Child Care programs, statewide and beyond.

Jenny Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the programs help students get nutritious meals while also supporting local farmers with direct market opportunities.

"Farmers that are farming in the region, for them to be able to sell direct to schools, it not just provides healthy food for the kids but it also provides much-needed markets for producers as well," Lester Moffitt outlined.

She added there is a financial benefit for farmers. Direct sales give them more revenue and keep food dollars in local communities. By comparison, selling to major retail chains typically earns them only 14 cents for every $2.

Lester Moffitt stressed National Farm to School Month is more than just about lunch; it is an educational opportunity. Schools are encouraged to incorporate information to teach students about healthy foods and how they are produced.

"Farm to School is also about nutrition education, it's about agriculture education, it's about school gardens as well," Lester Moffitt pointed out. "There is, of course, the important part about getting local foods into cafeterias but also it's about educating students about healthy eating, what's grown in their region, how food is grown."

This year, Ohio schools have received more than $1 million from the Patrick Leahy Farm to School program, benefiting schools in Appalachia, Cleveland, Columbus and other areas.


Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.




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