Source: PR NEWSIRE, 4/23/21

A bipartisan group of Senate leaders have introduced the Farm to School Act of 2021 to support schools, farmers, and communities in building back equitably from the pandemic. The bill, sponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Susan Collins (R-ME), will expand funding and programmatic scope of the highly successful USDA Farm to School Grant Program, ensuring more communities have a competitive opportunity to benefit from the program. A similar bill was introduced in the House in March. National Farm to School Network (NFSN) and National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) applaud this effort to support local food systems and child nutrition programs during this critical time.

"The Farm to School Act of 2021 couldn't come at a more necessary time. When the pandemic began, school nutrition professionals, educators, and local food producers were some of the first people to step up and ensure the ongoing care of children and families. The measures included in this bill will give them much-needed resources to continue their work as we emerge from the pandemic, while helping build a more resilient, equitable food system," said Karen Spangler, Policy Director with National Farm to School Network.

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