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Hinkle supports
farm-to-school bill
State Rep.
Bill Hinkle,
R-Cle Elum, has co-sponsored
HB 2798, which would result in more
local farm-fresh food being provided at local schools.
“Schools are a target-rich market for local farmers,” says Hinkle. “Our
farmers are looking for new markets and schools are in need of healthy,
fresh food for students.”
The legislation proposes:
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Spending $2 million to
get more Washington-grown fruits and vegetables into at least 75
schools serving low-income students.
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Hiring two full-time
employees in the state Department of Agriculture to connect schools and
growers.
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Spending $250,000 to
research how farms could collectively process, package and
distribute products in quantities that school cafeterias need.
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Allowing schools to
buy Washington-grown produce, meat and dairy products without formal
bids, as long as prices don't reasonably exceed other choices.
Hinkle believes providing
healthy eating options in our schools and supporting local farmers will
help combat childhood obesity, protect farmland and stimulate the
agriculture industry.
“This legislation will help keep our children healthy,” adds Hinkle. "As
a lawmaker, I am interested in good public policy, and connecting our
farmers to a new market – our schools – is good public policy.”
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For more information, contact:
Mike Deising, Public
Information Officer - (360) 786-7698
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