SACRAMENTO, CA. - A new initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more students with locally grown fruits and vegetables has chosen California as one of eight states selected to participate in the pilot program.
“This program will give schools more flexibility in how they procure fresh produce directly from local farmers,” said State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson. “This is of great benefit to both local economies and local food producers.”
The program will allow participating districts to use their food distribution program entitlement funds to procure unprocessed fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers and vendors approved for the pilot.
Farmers and vendors participating in the program will then be reimbursed by the USDA.
According to a news release by Torlakson, California produces more than 400 specialty crops, as well as nearly half of all fruits, nuts, and vegetables consumed nationwide.
If the project is deemed a success, it could be expanded across the nation, according to Torlakson's news release.
