Farm-to-School Bill Heads to Governor

The State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure that will create the Oklahoma Farm-to-School Program. The bill now advances to the Governor’s office.

Sen. Daisy Lawler, author of House Bill 2655, said she was pleased her legislation has reached the final step in the legislative process.

“This legislation is a win-win situation for Oklahoma,” said Lawler, D-Comanche. “Not only will the bill provide our school children with fresh and healthy foods, but it will create a significant economic boost for Oklahoma farmers.”

Lawler, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, said the bill will give locally-grown vegetable and fruit producers an expanded local base of consumers. Additionally, the measure will establish educational programs that may include a variety of methods to help teach children about agriculture.

An initial pilot program which was offered in Broken Arrow, Edmond, Muskogee, Shawnee, Tahlequah and Tulsa schools, proved to be a resounding success, giving the legislation widespread support from state leaders, the Department of Agriculture, the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Lawler noted that studies have shown the percentage of overweight children between ages 6-11 has quadrupled during the past 30 years, while studies consistently rank the health of Oklahomans among the nation’s lowest.

“This program can help establish healthy habits at an early age,” said Lawler. “This session, we have taken steps to address the health of our children including limiting access to junk foods in schools. This bill is yet another important step toward a healthier Oklahoma.”