Directing the Department of Education to establish a farm to school and school garden program

This law directs the state’s Department of Education to establish a farm to school program as well as a school garden program for the state. The law requires the Department to, among other things, encourage school districts to assist school districts in using Oregon food products and produce from school gardens in school meals, promote food and garden-based educational activities in schools, and help school districts incorporate farm to school and school garden projects into wellness policies. The law further specifies that the Department may accept monetary contributions and assistance from any source, public or private to administer the programs. See also, section 336.431 which directs the Department of Education to administer a farm-to-school grant program.