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2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTIO N 86
October 31, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives SHELTON, CONSIDINE, ANDRACA,
BARE, C. ANDERSON, CABRERA, CONLEY, DRAKE, EMERSON, HONG, HURD,
JACOBSON, JOERS, MELOTIK, MOORE OMOKUNDE, OHNSTAD, ORTIZ-VELEZ,
PALMERI, RATCLIFF, SCHMIDT, SHANKLAND, SNODGRASS, STUBBS, SUBECK and
CLANCY, cosponsored by Senators PFAFF, AGARD, CARPENTER, HESSELBEIN,
LARSON, ROYS, SMITH and SPREITZER. Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: designating October 2023 as Wisconsin Farm to School Month.
Whereas, Farm to School programs of varying scale operate in over 370 schools
across Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Farm to School programs connect schools and local farms in order to
do the following:
Serve fresh, healthy food from local food producers to Wisconsin students;
Bring local food sourcing and agricultural education into school food systems;
Provide educational opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons,
and farm field trips;
Empower children and their families to make informed food choices;
Strengthen the local economy and contribute to vibrant communities;
Support local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen; and
Whereas, Farm to School programs include experiential, student-centered
education components that can lead to permanent improvements in the diets and
nutritional habits of children, both in school and at home; and
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LRB-4538/1
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2023 - 2024 Legislature
Whereas, Farm to School programs facilitate the purchase of local fresh food for
school meals; and
Whereas, Farm to School programs can benefit small and midsized agricultural
producers and growers by providing access to consistent markets; and
Whereas, Farm to School programs can be particularly important for beginning
or disadvantaged farmers, as schools provide a consistent and secure customer base;
and
Whereas, Farm to School programs can benefit local economies and create
vibrant communities; and
Whereas, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that
only 7 percent of children consume the recommended amount of vegetables; and
Whereas, communities with high levels of poverty have less access to fresh
fruits and vegetables than higher-income communities; and
Whereas, the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of six
major strategies to prevent and control obesity, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention; and
Whereas, studies have demonstrated that children in schools with an active
Farm to School program increase their average consumption of fresh fruits and
vegetables by one or more servings per day; and
Whereas, Farm to School programs are popular among children, can increase
interest in school meal programs, and can decrease food waste; and
Whereas, October 2023 would be an appropriate month to designate as
Wisconsin Farm to School Month; now, therefore, be it
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Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin
State Legislature designates October 2023 as Wisconsin Farm to School Month; and,
be it further
Resolved, That the Wisconsin State Legislature does all of the following:
Recognizes support for policy improvements to Farm to School initiatives in
child nutrition programs;
Encourages schools and local educational agencies to use local farm products
in meals; and
Encourages schools, farmers and farm groups, local businesses, nonprofit
institutions, churches, cities, state governments, and other local groups to raise
awareness of Farm to School efforts in their communities.
(END)
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