[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16678]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               URGING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT FARM TO SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2015

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a 
vital childhood nutrition program in desperate need of funding. In the 
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Congress established mandatory 
funding of $5 million annually for a farm to school competitive grant 
and technical assistance program. This program allows communities to 
provide local foods in schools. Programs like this boost farm income 
while also fostering experiential food education for our children. Farm 
to school empowers children and their families to make informed food 
choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to 
vibrant communities. The proven benefits such as food security, 
sustainable farming education, as well as long-term healthy lifestyle 
choices have been invaluable to communities all over the United States. 
Unfortunately, demand for the program is more than five times higher 
than available funding, which is why I urge Congress to support the 
Farm to School Act of 2015.

                          ____________________