A new state program aimed at connecting Oklahoma schools with locally produced food has been signed into law.
Senate Bill 985 creates the Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Program, which is designed to help schools incorporate more Oklahoma-grown agricultural products into student meals while supporting farmers, ranchers and food producers across the state.
Oklahoma Senator Kristen Thompson said the measure is intended to improve access to fresh food for students while creating additional market opportunities for local producers.
Under the law, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry will oversee the program and coordinate partnerships between schools and agricultural producers.
The initiative is also intended to strengthen Oklahoma’s food supply chain and expand farm-to-school opportunities statewide.
Thompson thanked Governor Kevin Stitt for signing the measure and credited House support from House Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore and Oklahoma Representative Mike Pfeiffer for helping advance the bill through the Legislature.
