The Senate has unanimously approved legislation this week that will promote Pennsylvania agricultural products in the Commonwealth’s schools, providing the opportunity to educate students about PA agriculture and the importance of a healthier diet, according to Sen. Waugh (R-York).

Senate Bill 1209, introduced by Waugh and Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-Philadelphia), would create the Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools initiative, a program to deliver locally-grown farm products to school students.

“Our young people are bombarded by advertising for unhealthy snacks that can lead to a wide range of health problems later in life,” said Sen. Waugh, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. “This program would help reduce the frequency of childhood obesity and ensure that our young students learn the value of a healthy diet as well as the agricultural community.”

The legislation would help students choose healthy alternatives such as fruits and vegetables over snacks that are high in salt, sugar, and fats. In addition, the program will provide educators with greater resources for educating students about nutrition and the importance of agriculture in Pennsylvania through methods such as field trips to nearby farms. Parents, caregivers and community groups would also be given the opportunity to participate in the program.

“Of course we couldn’t make this initiative possible without the many local farmers we have throughout the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Waugh. “I am pleased that the program will not only benefit our young students but also our agricultural producers.”

Sen. Kitchen became involved in the legislation due to a Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools pilot program in several Philadelphia Schools conducted by Food Trust. Currently, the program serves 900 students in 11 schools in the Philadelphia area with plans to expand to a total of 14 schools this fall.

Senate Bill 1209 is part of the Farmers First Agenda, a comprehensive package of legislation to promote agriculture in Pennsylvania announced by Waugh and Senator Noah Wenger (R-Lancaster) in 2005. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

9/29/2006