Thompson Bill Works to Put Fresh, Local Food in K-12 Lunchrooms

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, has filed legislation to support Oklahoma agriculture producers through an initiative to get locally sourced produce and other food into K-12 schools.

Thompson’s Senate Bill 985 would allow the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to continue its highly successful Oklahoma Local Food for Schools program. This program would incentivize school districts to partner with local farmers, producers and meat processors to stock their cafeterias.

“Connecting schools with local farmers and processors ensures students get fresh, healthy meals while supporting Oklahoma’s agriculture industry,” Thompson said. “Studies show that kids who develop healthy and balanced eating habits at a young age have improved academic outcomes and better physical and mental health throughout their lives. Continuing the Oklahoma Local Food for Schools program is a no-brainer to help our kids, our agribusinesses and our state.”

The Oklahoma Local Food for Schools program began during the pandemic when widespread supply chain issues disrupted food supplies. The federal government initially funded the program that allowed Oklahoma’s Agriculture Department to reimburse schools for qualifying local food purchases. Over 240 school districts and 70 Oklahoma producers participated in the program’s first year.

“We are so appreciative of the opportunity to expand a program that, even in its early stages, has proven so beneficial for students, schools, and Oklahoma agriculture producers," said Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. "Local Food for Schools provides high-quality food options for students, gets them interested in where their food comes from and how it's produced, and gives our own farmers and ranchers an additional market right here in their home state.”

Thompson said that in addition to ensuring students have healthy food options at school, the Local Food for Schools program teaches kids about the state's agriculture industry. 

“Higher food costs are affecting all Oklahomans, and our school districts are no exception,” Thompson said. “By growing this outstanding farm-to-school program, we can lower lunch costs and guarantee students have access to healthy and nutritious meals that power them through a full day of learning.”

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.