Establishing a Farm to School Program

H.B. 70 establishes a farm to school program within the state Department of Natural Resources. The purposes of the program include strengthening the relationship between agriculture and school food procurement, expanding local markets, and improving the nutritional quality of school meals. The program also requires support for school educational activities including school gardens, school farms, and farm visits. To achieve these goals, H.B. 70 directs the Department of Natural Resources to work with the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service, Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Education and Early Development, and Department of Administration. H.B. 70 specifies that program operation is subject to appropriations and sunsets July 1, 2013.