AJR86,,112023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 86 October 31, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives Shelton, Considine, Andraca, Bare, C. Anderson, Cabrera, Conley, Drake, Emerson, Hong, Hurd, Jacobson, Joers, Melotik, Moore Omokunde, Ohnstad, Ortiz-Velez, Palmeri, Ratcliff, Schmidt, Shankland, Snodgrass, Stubbs, Subeck and Clancy, cosponsored by Senators Pfaff, Agard, Carpenter, Hesselbein, Larson, Roys, Smith and Spreitzer. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR86,,22Relating to: designating October 2023 as Wisconsin Farm to School Month. AJR86,,33Whereas, Farm to School programs of varying scale operate in over 370 schools across Wisconsin; and AJR86,,44Whereas, Farm to School programs connect schools and local farms in order to do the following: AJR86,,55• Serve fresh, healthy food from local food producers to Wisconsin students; AJR86,,66• Bring local food sourcing and agricultural education into school food systems; AJR86,,77• Provide educational opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips; AJR86,,88• Empower children and their families to make informed food choices; AJR86,,99• Strengthen the local economy and contribute to vibrant communities; AJR86,,1010• Support local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen; and AJR86,,1111Whereas, Farm to School programs include experiential, student-centered education components that can lead to permanent improvements in the diets and nutritional habits of children, both in school and at home; and AJR86,,1212Whereas, Farm to School programs facilitate the purchase of local fresh food for school meals; and AJR86,,1313Whereas, Farm to School programs can benefit small and midsized agricultural producers and growers by providing access to consistent markets; and AJR86,,1414Whereas, Farm to School programs can be particularly important for beginning or disadvantaged farmers, as schools provide a consistent and secure customer base; and AJR86,,1515Whereas, Farm to School programs can benefit local economies and create vibrant communities; and AJR86,,1616Whereas, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that only 7 percent of children consume the recommended amount of vegetables; and AJR86,,1717Whereas, communities with high levels of poverty have less access to fresh fruits and vegetables than higher-income communities; and AJR86,,1818Whereas, the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of six major strategies to prevent and control obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and AJR86,,1919Whereas, studies have demonstrated that children in schools with an active Farm to School program increase their average consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by one or more servings per day; and AJR86,,2020Whereas, Farm to School programs are popular among children, can increase interest in school meal programs, and can decrease food waste; and AJR86,,2121Whereas, October 2023 would be an appropriate month to designate as Wisconsin Farm to School Month; now, therefore, be it AJR86,,2222Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin State Legislature designates October 2023 as Wisconsin Farm to School Month; and, be it further AJR86,,2323Resolved, That the Wisconsin State Legislature does all of the following: AJR86,,2424• Recognizes support for policy improvements to Farm to School initiatives in child nutrition programs; AJR86,,2525• Encourages schools and local educational agencies to use local farm products in meals; and AJR86,,2626• Encourages schools, farmers and farm groups, local businesses, nonprofit institutions, churches, cities, state governments, and other local groups to raise awareness of Farm to School efforts in their communities.
