Senate Bill would help local producers supply food to schools

OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation by an Edmond Republican will encourage partnerships between local agricultural producers and schools.

Sen. Kristen Thompson said her Senate Bill 985 would allow the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to continue its highly successful Oklahoma Local Food for Schools program. This program would incentivize school districts to partner with local farmers, producers and meat processors to stock their cafeterias.

“Connecting schools with local farmers and processors ensures students get fresh, healthy meals while supporting Oklahoma’s agriculture industry,” Thompson said. “Studies show that kids who develop healthy and balanced eating habits at a young age have improved academic outcomes and better physical and mental health throughout their lives.”

The Oklahoma Local Food for Schools program began during the COVID pandemic when widespread supply chain issues disrupted food supplies. The federal government initially funded the program that allowed Oklahoma’s Agriculture Department to reimburse schools for qualifying local food purchases. More than 240 school districts and 70 Oklahoma producers participated in the program’s first year.

“We are so appreciative of the opportunity to expand a program that, even in its early stages, has proven so beneficial for students, schools, and Oklahoma agriculture producers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “Local Food for Schools provides high-quality food options for students, gets them interested in where their food comes from and how it’s produced, and gives our own farmers and ranchers an additional market right here in their home state.”