Encouraging Schools to Purchase Local Foods

S.P. 250 / L.D. 636 changes the Local Produce Fund to the Local Foods Fund, allowing for reimbursements to schools for purchasing value-added dairy and protein, including from food processors and distributors, and defining local foods as those grown or produced in Maine. The bill also increases the annual per-school reimbursement cap from $1,500 to $5,000 and from $2,000 to $5,500 for schools that send a food service employee to local foods training.