October is National Farm to School Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very innovative program in my home State of Arkansas. Governor Asa Hutchinson proclaimed October to be Farm to School Month. The Farm to School program provides healthy, locally grown food to our State's schools while creating new revenue streams for our Arkansas farmers.

According to the USDA, 169 schools, serving over 86,000 young Arkansans, participate in the program. This directed over $600,000 into local economies by purchasing products from local farmers.

The Farm to School program helps to combat childhood obesity by encouraging healthy eating habits among our youngest, most impressionable citizens. Also, at a time when families are moving away from the rural, agricultural parts of our Nation, I believe it is vital that our children know how and where their food is produced. The Farm to School program helps to educate them.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Farm to School program is important to the economy, health, and education of Arkansas' Fourth District. I look forward to working with the many stakeholders in Arkansas to see the continued success of the Farm to School program.

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