United States Representative Bill Huizenga announced new bi-partisan legislation Monday in the hopes of bringing locally grown produce to West Michigan’s schools.
Huizenga, a Republican who represents Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, says the “Small Farm to School Act” aims to incentivize partnerships between small farms and local schools, with the goal of providing students with nutritious, locally grown food.
“Obviously, a good thing for all of West Michigan, we are one of the most diverse agricultural areas in the country, but it is also very, very good for the students…having fresh fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria cafeterias, as options, way better than often times the other food that may be available.”
According to Huizenga’s office, the legislation would “create an 8-state pilot program where local public schools would get a higher reimbursement for purchasing food from local farmers.”
The bill is co-sponsored by Democrat and United States Representative Antonio Delgado of New York.