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.
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.