HARRISBURG, PA — A bi-partisan bill that would increase the quantity and variety of local food products for schools has passed the House and is now in the Senate, according to the bills’ co-sponsor, Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne).

“Schools in Pennsylvania serve more than 168 million lunches per year and provide critical nutrients to children across the Commonwealth,” said Fritz. “This makes our schools one of the largest potential markets for agricultural producers from across the state, but school food service providers spend only 9% of their total food cost on local foods, not including milk.

“Local Food Purchasing Incentives, like Farm-to-School programs, incentivize school food authorities to source local ingredients to nourish and energize students, Fritz continued. “This legislation, the Keystone Fresh Act, will provide state level investment that will increase the quantity and variety of local products that are sold to and served in Pennsylvania schools.”

Fritz concluded by saying that the program will provide fresh, locally sourced ingredients for healthy school meals and will stimulate the agriculture industry and local economy by supporting Pennsylvania family farmers.