DeLauro, Courtney Applaud Connecticut’s Participation in Program Increasing Amount of Fruits and Vegetables in School Meals

NEW HAVEN, CT—Connecticut Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Joe Courtney today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s selection of Connecticut as one of eight states that will participate in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables. This project, established by 2014 Farm Bill, allows participating states to increase their purchases of locally-grown fruits and vegetables for their school meal programs.

“I am thrilled that Connecticut will have the opportunity to participate in this USDA pilot program,” DeLauro said. “Not only is this a chance for Connecticut to invest more in its local farmers, but schoolchildren across the state will have increased access to locally-grown, nutritious, fresh produce. It is absolutely a win-win and I look forward to hearing about the future success of this project.”

Courtney said: "This initiative is one of the smartest reforms included in the Farm Bill, which simultaneously promotes Connecticut agriculture and healthier food in our schools. Putnam and Waterford are situated in exciting new regions with diverse growers and will benefit greatly from today's announcement."

For more information about the pilot project, please visit the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables website.


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