(TRENTON) – A four-bill legislative package sponsored by Assembly Democrats Robert Andrzejczak, Celeste Riley and Gilbert “Whip” Wilson to financially support the New Jersey “Farm to School” program and promote healthier food options was released Monday by a Senate panel.
The object of the New Jersey Farm to School program is to provide agricultural products to school food service departments to serve healthy meals to improve student nutrition, provide health and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime, and support local farmers. The program was developed by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Department of Education.
These bills released today would help the program further its mission.
The first bill (A-156), sponsored by Andrzejczak and Riley, would require the Department of Agriculture to post a hyperlink directing users to the NJ Farm to School website on its website; and a copy of any written agreement for the purchase of fresh foods – entered into and successfully implemented by any school or school district in the state – on the NJ Farm to School website.
“New Jersey has a proud farming industry which we should utilize and promote to cultivate better eating habits among our children,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “The Farm to School program introduces children to healthier food options and supports local farms. This is more than enough reason to spread the word about the program and increase participation.”
“It is the state’s best interest to encourage more of these partnerships. Increasing the online presence of the Farm to School program through cross promotion is a simple and effective way to get more schools and farmers on board,” said Riley (D Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem).
The second bill (A-2642), sponsored by Andrzejczak and Riley, would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to solicit and accept private and public monetary contributions to help fund the Farm to School program.
“All programs that rely on government funding are feeling the pinch,” said Andrzejczak. “This is one way to help Farm to School program secure the funding it needs to continue to do its work.”
“Budgetary cuts have forced many to do more with less,” said Riley. “Any financial support that the Farm to School program is able to secure from private sources will surely be welcomed.”
The third bill (A-2643), sponsored by Riley, Wilson and Andrzejczak would direct the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Department of Education and any other agricultural or farming organization deemed appropriate by the Department of Agriculture, to establish an annual awards program to recognize schools or school districts with outstanding achievements in the incorporation of farm-to-school principles into their school meal and snack programs.
“This is another simple way to promote the benefits of the Farm to School program and encourage more schools to join in, while celebrating others for a job well done,” said Riley.
“We all like to be recognized for our work. This award can keep the momentum going for schools already in the Farm to School program, while encouraging others to join,” said Wilson.\
“An awards program would celebrate a job well done by participating schools and promote the great benefits of the program to other schools statewide. The more schools involved in the program means the more students we can ensure healthy, balanced meals,” Andrzejczak said.
The fourth bill (A-2644), sponsored by Andrzejczak and Wilson, would require the Department of Agriculture to develop a website to serve as a clearinghouse for farmers to provide produce and dairy products to school breakfast and lunch programs throughout the state. The website would be similar to existing “for sale by owner” websites, and provide a forum for farmers with produce and dairy products to connect with any school or school district with a need for these products for its school breakfast or lunch program.
“This would help drive business to our local farmers and provide our schools with fresh, New Jersey made produce and dairy products,” said Andrzejczak. “It’s a win-win.”
“This website would create a one-stop shop where farmers can go and connect with schools in need of certain products,” said Wilson. “It helps facilitate the exchange and benefits both.”
The bills were released by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.