Vermont gov: Let states buy local food for schools

[cali]

Jul 14, 2011 6:32pm

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin said Thursday he wants to see federal food commodity programs retooled to allow states to buy locally grown food for their schools and other nutrition programs.

Shumlin said he wants to replace an existing U.S. Department of Agriculture commodities program that ships bulk food into the state for distribution to schools, food pantries and other programs with a voucher system that would allow states to spend federal nutrition funds on locally grown food.

"It'll help create jobs. It'll help realize the renaissance in agriculture that I know is happening in Vermont," Shumlin said. "And it'll get our kids healthier food that's grown locally and allows them to get great nutritious meals right here from Vermont farmers."

U.S. Rep. Peter Welch last year introduced legislation to take a similar approach with a separate, smaller program that distributes fruits and vegetables, but that proposal never saw action before the last Congress adjourned.

Shumlin said he believed states may be able to bypass Congress and get a waiver on the larger USDA program directly from the Agriculture Department.

<snip>

http://www.necn.com/07/14/11/Vermont-gov-Let-states-buy-local-food-fo/landing_health.html?&apID=a5876a4342ad4073a409568921e5ddd3

[Ragnarok]

1. Locally grown food...

...is a good start. Most cities would grind to a halt in a week or less if there were supply issues as their populations are unsustainable.