Local Food for Local schools Reimbursement Program

Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Program — Support HB 487-FN!

House Bill 487-FN, the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program is an incentive purchase program for New Hampshire school districts that participate in the National School Lunch program. If passed by the 2023 New Hampshire legislature, participating schools can spend $3,600 of their federal school lunch funds on New Hampshire grown food and receive a $1,200 reimbursement from the state.

Read: Local Food in Local Schools “Stories of Impact”

How to Advocate:

LETTERS OF SUPPORT

Individuals, Sign on Here
Organizations, Sign on Here

Contact your legislators

At any time during the legislative process, the NH Farm to School Network recommends reaching out to your legislators by email or by phone to let them know why you support the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program and why they should vote in favor of HB 487-FN. 

Find your House Representatives Here
Find your Senators Here

Contact the Committee

During the legislative process, the bill will be heard by two committees: the House Education Committee and the House Finance Committee. Prior to the bill hearings in each committee, the NH Farm to School Network recommends emailing the committee your testimony of support for the program and the bill.

Email the House Education Committee at HouseEducationCommittee@leg.state.nh.us
Email the House Finance Committee at HouseFinanceCommittee@leg.state.nh.us

SIGN IN YOUR TESTIMONY TO THE BILL HEARING

On or before the scheduled bill hearing, the NH Farm to School Network recommends virtually signing in your position and testimony on the bill. Bill hearings for the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program have not been scheduled yet. More on that below!

Sign into the Bill Hearing here

Nearly 23 percent of children ages 2-5 are overweight or obese in the United States. Not only are these children at higher rick for significant health challenges, social issues and emotional problems, but children who are not well nourished are also not able to function well in school. 

Picture credits: Cornucopia Project & Stonewall Farm

With 8 million children spending an average of 33 hours per week in early care and education settings, farm to school has the potential to set up a significant number of young children  for success with healthy habits and high quality learning environments.

Farm to Early Care and Education

The Monadnock Region is ripe with farm to school educators, classroom-ready curriculum, professional trainings and resources. Contact our member organizations and get your school involved TODAY! 

GET INVOLVED with Harvest of the Month

For Educators: 

• Download the educator flyers for interesting facts, great activities and quick lessons each month from the Harvest of the Month website.

• Professional Development workshops are available to you, your school and community. Contact Beth Roy or Marilyn Wyzga

• Use the in-depth, standard-linked Harvest Lessons in your classroom

For Food Service Professionals:

• Sign the pledge to begin receiving posters at your work site and display them in a prominent location

• Offer monthly taste tests incorporation HoM materials

• Check out Monadnock Menus for fresh, wholesome and locally grown food delivered to you! Contact Alex McCullough for more information

For Families:

• Check out the NH Harvest of the Month website for fun, make-at-home recipes featuring spotlight, seasonal produce

• Become a HoM ambassador and connect with other parents or volunteers to deliver the curriculum to your children's school

• Integrate content from HoM "Home" flyer into conversation and meals

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