The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released its 2017-2018 Legislative Report on the 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms pilot program on Tuesday, March 20.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released its 2017-2018 Legislative Report on the 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms pilot program on Tuesday, March 20.
Oregon taxpayers are pleased with the $7.5 million that some Oregon school districts spent on Oregon foods since 2011 with just $600,000 in state incentive. Now lawmakers have nearly quadrupled the level of support over the next two years and expanded the incentive program to all schools.
Never before has there been so much interest among schools in buying local farm foods. And these efforts, according to polls, are supported by parents who want schools to take care of their kids by serving them healthy food. Farms can play a big role in helping them do just that.
Last month, during the last week of school at Traverse Heights Elementary School, second and third graders headed outside for their final garden lesson of the year. The scene was a perfect way to culminate nearly two years of my work as a FoodCorps service member connecting kids to healthy food in the classroom and in the garden.
Farmers in our region’s fields and orchards this summer are growing a variety of fruits and vegetables destined for the plates of children in seven school districts participating in the “10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms” pilot project.
When it comes to school lunches, a dime can can mean the difference between canned peaches or fresh, juicy ones for students. And because of a pilot project in our region called 10 Cents a Meal for School Kids & Farms, it also means sales for local farms and related businesses like food processors or distributors.