/ Source: The Associated Press
Vermont Congressman Peter Welch has introduced legislation that would enable federal aid to school lunch programs to pay for local produce.
Welch says the bill could be a boon to Vermont farmers trying to recover from the effects of Tropical Storm Irene.
He says Vermont schools currently receive produce from a regional distribution center in Rhode Island under the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Welch's bill would create a three-state pilot program that would allow participants to opt out of the program and spend those funds instead on local fruits and vegetables.
Gov. Peter Shumlin made a similar call for local food in schools during a news conference this summer.