‘Rozo’ McLaughlin Is Honored For Work on Farm-to-School Bill

Rep. Rozo McLaughlin was honored at Shelburne Farms earlier this week for her work on the Farm-to-School bill, which was passed during the recently adjourned legislative session.

The success of this bill was the result of a collaborative effort of a legislative working group, formed by Rep. McLaughlin. The working group was joined by members of the Department of Education, the Agency of Agriculture and the Department of Health.

The FEED program (Food Education Every Day) is a coalition of Shelburne Farms, Vermont Foodworks and NOFA-Vt., who are currently working with over 35 schools in Vermont. They partnered with the legislators for an entire year on crafting a bill to help bring more local food into Vermont school cafeterias. Legislators, agency heads and deputies, school cafeteria directors, teachers and the FEED folks gathered at the Inn at Shelburne Farms, overlooking Lake Champlain, to celebrate a successful conclusion to their work.

The Farm-to-School bill appropriated money to fund a mini-grant program, which will enable schools to connect with local farmers for purchasing locally grown produce. Schools who are interested in this program may apply for a mini-grant through the Agency of Agriculture. The bill also provides additional education for food service managers and teachers, as well as for farmers. The goal is to encourage Vermont youth to enjoy eating locally grown nutritious food, while at the same time learning about nutrition and where their food comes from.

The initial research done by the working group provided the background to understand why it is difficult for schools to avail themselves of local food. Most schools buy their food from a commodities program subsidized by the federal hot lunch program. To change the way it is currently done is more expensive and requires a different set of tools, a little bit of extra work, and a commitment from food service as well as teachers and school principals. Several area schools, including the Chelsea School and Sharon Elementary School, recently participated in the FEED program.

"Working on the Farm-to-School bill and getting it through was a really great experience," Rep. McLaughlin said. "It was probably one of the best examples of cooperation in the legislature, the government agencies and departments, and the people in the field. We enjoyed bi-partisan support and enthusiasm from our colleagues, and it was a great lesson for me in taking the time, long before the session starts, to build coalition with the necessary partners."

McLaughlin added, "I’m really hoping that the schools in my district will get excited about this and go for one of the grants. We know that we have the farmers in the area who are willing to work with the program, and I’ve heard from parents and teachers that they would welcome a move in this direction."

If anyone is interested in learning more about how to participate in farm-to-school activities or apply for a grant, McLaughlin would be happy to have them call her at 763-5262 or e-mail her at rozo@valley.net.

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