Senator Stabenow Applauds Investment to Connect Muskegon County Students with Local Foods

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that four Muskegon County school districts will receive support to develop a plan to bring locally grown food to Muskegon County school cafeterias. This $43,500 investment will benefit the Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Whitehall and Montague school districts and comes from USDA's Farm to School Program, which helps schools source healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy. Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill significantly expands support for Michigan farmers by creating new opportunities to sell locally grown and organic products.

"Farm to school programs give needed support to Michigan farmers while educating and encouraging students to eat healthier," said Senator Stabenow. "Whether it's teachers, students, parents or farmers, everybody wins when Michigan-grown food makes it to cafeterias."

USDA's Farm to School Grants help schools respond to the demand for healthy food, which plays a critical role in helping children develop healthy habits which can benefit them for their entire lives. The Farm to School Program also educates students about how food grows through school garden programs and farm visits. Additionally, the program provides much needed access to new markets for locally grown and organic foods for producers and food businesses.