ACTION ALERT:
Contact Your Lawmakers by April 21 to Preserve Wisconsin's Farm to School Program in the State Budget

Wisconsin Farm to School is a program run through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) that connects Wisconsin schools and institutions with Wisconsin-produced foods. Farm to school programming helps children develop healthy eating habits through nutrition and agricultural education. Further, farm to school improves farmers' incomes and creates steady institutional market opportunities for Wisconsin producers.

The 2017-2019 state budget proposes to eliminate the Wisconsin Farm to School Program, including the Program Director position,"to reflect budget efficiency measures." However, cutting the program ($66,400 and 1.0 FTE) from DATCP's budget translates to a savings of 0.1% for the agency, while the program itself helps schools to purchase over $9 million annually in Wisconsin-produced foods. A dedicated Farm to School Program Director at DATCP is vital to the continued growth of this important program.

Our lawmakers need to hear that constituents value Wisconsin Farm to School and that it has a positive impact on our lives and livelihood. Please help us spread the word about the Wisconsin Farm to School Program and the good work it does. Please urge your lawmakers to put Farm to School back into the state budget.

What can you do to help?

When legislators start getting even a handful of calls and communications about an issue, they take notice and will communicate this concern to the Joint Finance Committee - the Senators and Representatives who are responsible for reviewing the state budget and making any changes.

1. Call your state senator and representatives. The most effective action is to pick up the phone and let your legislator know you oppose the cut and want to see the position and funding restored in the budget.  The important time window for calls on this issue is between now and Friday, April 21.

To find your legislator, visit https://legis.wisconsin.gov and type in your address under "Find My Legislator."

2. Email. If calling is not possible, email your senator and representative (note: calls carry the most weight and only cost you a moment). You can find your legislator's email address at the link above.

3. Attend budget listening sessions around Wisconsin and share your story about why Farm to School has been valuable to you and your community. Joint Finance Committee members and staff are there to hear from the public. These sessions start at 8 a.m., and you should arrive early to get a chance to speak.

Budget listening session dates are at 8 a.m. for the following dates and locations:
  • Monday, April 3 - Platteville
  • Wednesday, April 5: Milwaukee Area (State Fair Park or Italian Community Center)
  • Friday, April 7 - Marinette
  • Tuesday, April 18 - Spooner
  • Wednesday, April 19 - Ellsworth
  • Friday, April 21 - East-Central Wisconsin (Waupaca, Ripon, or Fond du Lac)
What should you say?

1. First and foremost, let lawmakers know why it is important to you, your family or your livelihood that the Farm to School program continue.

2. Fully fund Wisconsin Farm to School in the 2017-2019 budget. At less than 0.1% of the budget ($87K in a $90M budget), it is a small investment in a program that pays back so much to farmers, schools, and the state's economy. 

3. The Farm to School Program Director secured more than $200,000 of federal grant funding to increase institutional purchases of Wisconsin-produced food and directly helped schools shift their purchasing practices from national to local sources.

4. Wisconsin schools purchase over $9 million of Wisconsin-produced foods each year thanks to Farm to School programming. Another 60% of surveyed school districts plan to begin or increase purchases of Wisconsin-produced foods. There is a lot of interest in this program and need for the expertise and help offered.

5. Farm to School improves farmers' incomes and direct access to steady institutional markets. It also links the well-being of our urban and rural communities.

6. Farm to School helps children develop healthy eating habits through nutrition and agricultural education.

For additional information visit the Save Wisconsin Farm to School Facebook page. Feel free to forward this email to your contacts and/or invite them to join the cause via Facebook. Use #SaveWIF2S when talking about this issue on social media.

COME MEET HELEN, REAP'S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Thursday, March 16, 5-7 p.m.
TableWine, 2045 Atwood Ave., No. 111, Madison, WI

Stop by and meet REAP's new Executive Director Helen Sarakinos. Ask questions, mingle with other REAP supporters, and discuss the future of local food in our community. Appetizers will be served. A cash bar with wine, beer and spirits will be available. 

About Table Wine
Located in the vibrant Schenk-Atwood neighborhood, Table Wine provides a curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits for everyday occasions. We focus on a well-informed yet approachable style of service in a lovely space.


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