Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring today, along with several Michigan commodity groups, highlighted the unique economic opportunities created for Michigan’s food and agriculture sector as part of Governor Whitmer’s historic education budget, including free breakfast and lunch to Michigan’s students.
Michigan joins California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Vermont as the only states providing free breakfast and lunch to students.
“Nutrition is a fundamental building block for student success and the first step begins with local agriculture,” said Director Boring. “Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan budget will feed 1.4 million students and Michigan’s farmers are ready to help meet those needs.
“This funding presents our food and agriculture sector with a unique opportunity to increase the use of locally grown and processed foods and help create new markets for our farmers as we work towards ensuring no Michigan child goes hungry. Our farmers can offer a wide variety of nutritious items to add to school menus. Many Michigan schools are already participating in programs like Farm to School and we look forward to adding more farmer and school participants. It’s a win-win for all.”
School meal programs bring together school food service professionals, farmers, food hubs, processors and distributors to improve the availability and distribution of local foods for school food programs.
According to the US Agricultural Department, Michigan is the second largest supplier of food to the United States Department of Agriculture by pound for school lunches, just after California. Those products include fresh fruits and vegetables from Michigan farms to schools.
“Michigan Apples are a big part of school meals – whether they are fresh, sliced, or served as apple sauce or juice. Governor Whitmer’s budget plan to provide free breakfast and lunch to all of Michigan’s K-12 students will help kids reach the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, support healthy eating behaviors, and allow young students to focus on learning. The Michigan Apple industry appreciates efforts to increase access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables,” said Diane Smith, Executive Director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
Source: michigan.gov
Photo Credit: istock-heebyj
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy