Senate Approves Farm-to-School Bill

A bill to help school children enjoy nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables has won unanimous approval by the full Senate. Senator Daisy Lawler is the author of SB 1515, which would create a statewide Farm to School program.

“This a win-win bill for helping our kids with better health and nutrition and for rural economic development,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Our initial pilot program was a resounding success and surveys of school districts throughout the state tell us they’re very enthusiastic about this concept.”

Lawler, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, explained the idea is to help market locally-grown produce to area schools. Children get the benefit of more nutritious foods, while area farmers benefit with a larger local consumer base. The program would also help educate children about agriculture and could include field trips to area farms.

“The initial pilot program which helped market Oklahoma-grown watermelons to local schools was a wonderful success. Now we want to expand that success to schools across the state and let their children enjoy a variety of Oklahoma grown produce,” Lawler said.

The Farm to School program was the subject of an interim study last fall. Representatives from organizations including the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the State Department of Agriculture all made presentations in support of the program for its wide-ranging benefits.

SB 1515 now moves to the House for further consideration.