Glenn W. Thompson
06/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/26/2026 11:20
Thompson, McDonald Rivet Introduce Legislation to Provide Students Additional Access to Healthy Meals
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act. This bill would help schools buy fresh agricultural products from local farms, providing students additional access to healthy meals, while supporting local producers.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously operated the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), which gave funding to states to purchase agricultural products from local farms to serve in school cafeterias and childcare facilities. The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act would permanently reinstate and modernize the program, giving students access to fresh, healthy food and beverages, such as milk and juice, while supporting local producers and economies.
"The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act creates a partnership between local producers and school districts, expanding markets for local farmers and making it easier for schools, especially in rural communities, to serve foods that provide the vital nutrients students need to succeed in the classroom," Rep. Thompson said.
"When schools serve fresh, locally grown food, everyone wins. Kids get a good meal, schools save money, and farmers get the extra business," Rep. McDonald Rivet said. "Our bill is a no-brainer that will bring back a program that made a real difference in cafeterias across the country. We're going to help students eat healthier and help local farmers while we do it."
The bill is endorsed by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Feeding Pennsylvania, American Farm Bureau Federation, Feeding America, School Nutrition Association, National Farm to School Network, National Milk Producers Federation, Farm Credit Council, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Farmers Union, Food Action and Research Center, Chef Ann Foundation, The School Superintendents Association, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Michigan Farmers Union, and Michigan Farm Bureau.
"Pennsylvania Farm Bureau recognizes that increasing opportunities for schools to source local agricultural products can contribute to stronger rural economies, support farm viability, and help ensure students have access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food options throughout the school year," said Chris Hoffman, President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
"The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act is a smart investment in the health of our students and communities," said School Nutrition Association President Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS. "The bill will provide school meal programs critical, additional funds to boost local purchases, exposing students to a wider variety of nutritious choices and strengthening support for farmers and producers close to home."
Read the full bill text here.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously operated the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), which gave funding to states to purchase agricultural products from local farms to serve in school cafeterias and childcare facilities. The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act would permanently reinstate and modernize the program, giving students access to fresh, healthy food and beverages, such as milk and juice, while supporting local producers and economies.
"The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act creates a partnership between local producers and school districts, expanding markets for local farmers and making it easier for schools, especially in rural communities, to serve foods that provide the vital nutrients students need to succeed in the classroom," Rep. Thompson said.
"When schools serve fresh, locally grown food, everyone wins. Kids get a good meal, schools save money, and farmers get the extra business," Rep. McDonald Rivet said. "Our bill is a no-brainer that will bring back a program that made a real difference in cafeterias across the country. We're going to help students eat healthier and help local farmers while we do it."
The bill is endorsed by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Feeding Pennsylvania, American Farm Bureau Federation, Feeding America, School Nutrition Association, National Farm to School Network, National Milk Producers Federation, Farm Credit Council, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Farmers Union, Food Action and Research Center, Chef Ann Foundation, The School Superintendents Association, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Michigan Farmers Union, and Michigan Farm Bureau.
"Pennsylvania Farm Bureau recognizes that increasing opportunities for schools to source local agricultural products can contribute to stronger rural economies, support farm viability, and help ensure students have access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food options throughout the school year," said Chris Hoffman, President of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
"The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act is a smart investment in the health of our students and communities," said School Nutrition Association President Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS. "The bill will provide school meal programs critical, additional funds to boost local purchases, exposing students to a wider variety of nutritious choices and strengthening support for farmers and producers close to home."
Read the full bill text here.
Glenn W. Thompson published this content on June 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 26, 2026 at 17:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]