[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 148 (Monday, December 8, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6381-S6382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   USDA PILOT PROJECT FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF UNPROCESSED FRUITS AND 
                               VEGETABLES

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, for several years I have envisioned a way 
to give schools affordable and sustainable access to locally grown 
foods--a system that would benefit schools, children, and farmers 
alike. To make this a reality, I introduced the Pilot Project for the 
Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables as an amendment to the 
2014 farm bill. I was very encouraged that the final bill included this 
pilot project and optimistic that my home State of Oregon could help 
lead the way--as it often does--by hosting one of the eight programs. 
That is why I am so pleased to say today Oregon was chosen to 
participate in the pilot project. This is a win for communities and 
school districts across Oregon who can now offer meals made with the 
locally grown produce we are famous for, everything from apples to 
zucchini, blueberries to tomatoes and everything in between.
  This is a win for the local farmers who will gain new customers to 
buy their fruits and vegetables, and this is a win for the school 
children who will grow up knowing what fresh produce really tastes 
like.
  This innovative and exciting project establishes a competitive pilot 
program with up to eight demonstration projects, each representing a 
different region of the country. These demonstration projects will help 
schools source healthy, local fruits and vegetables for the breakfasts, 
lunches, or snacks served to students. It is more important today than 
ever to ensure America's children have fresh, healthy eating options 
when they are increasingly exposed to unhealthy, processed foods. The 
partnerships that the pilot projects will surely grow will put money in 
the pockets of local farmers while also ensuring that our school kids 
are eating healthily. I look forward to seeing these projects grow and 
contribute to the healthy lives of our Nation's young men and women.

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