I, the undersigned, support the legislation under LSR 2697 (House Bill number to be assigned), the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program Bill, that will provide funding for a reimbursement program to incentivize participating New Hampshire schools and food service directors to purchase locally grown and produced food for breakfast and lunch services. 

We believe that all students need good nutrition to learn well. The Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot program will boost youth health and wellness, and support the economic viability of New Hampshire’s farms in every county. 

A state investment of $241,000 in the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot program, combined with $420,000 federal dollars participating New Hampshire schools receive as part of the funding for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and the  Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, will inject up to $681,000 into New Hampshire and New England's agricultural economy over the 2-year pilot program. One school or school district from each county is eligible to participate and will be determined through an application process.

Participating schools will be reimbursed $1 for every $3 dollars spent on purchases from New Hampshire producers and fishers and $1 for every $6 spent on purchases from other New England states. Purchased foods will be required to meet qualifying criteria to be eligible for reimbursement. Eligible foods include value-added dairy, fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry and eggs, pork, sustainably-caught fish, cider, and maple syrup and can be purchased directly from producers, from New Hampshire or regional food hubs, or through conventional distributors. 

66,000 students in New Hampshire already participate in farm to school activities such as school garden programs, and nutrition, agriculture and cooking curriculum. The Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot program will bring farm to school learnings from the classroom to the cafeteria. And students who do not have access to farm to school programming will have the opportunity to learn about the variety of fruits, vegetables, and other products grown and produced both locally and regionally.

Please support fresh local food in our childrens’ schools and fund the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot program.

Please use the space below to provide any personal reasons or stories related to your choice to support this legislation. (ex. "At home, my kids eat a lot of local fruits and vegetables. I would love for them to have the same opportunity during lunch at school.")