(X) Information Memo

January 9, 2009

TO: Sponsors of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

RE: Farm to School—Purchasing Food from Local Farms

IN 2008 the Oregon Legislative Assembly instructed the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs to assist school districts in utilizing Oregon food products as part of the Farm-to-School and School Garden Program. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also encourages school districts to purchase from local farmers where feasible.

Enclosed are the following documents:

Oregon Legal Requirements for Purchasing Food from Farms
This document lists, by food category, the legal requirements for purchasing from farms or farm organizations in Oregon. This document is a joint effort of the Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

In addition to the state and federal requirements outlined in the attachment, local school districts may have additional purchasing requirements. Schools often require food vendors to have liability insurance. The amount varies by district.

When purchasing foods, Child Nutrition/Food Service Directors need to be sure they are purchasing safe products. The same precautions you use when purchasing from a food distributor or vendor, apply to purchases made from a local farmer. Farmers take food safety very seriously. Their business depends on it. Oregon Legal Requirements for Purchasing Food from Farms is a resource for school meal programs purchasing from local farms.

A Checklist for Purchasing Local Produce
The Iowa State University checklist is included as an example of a process that can be used to demonstrate reasonable care has been taken in purchasing produce.

If you have any questions concerning farm to school or school gardens, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Joan Ottinger, MS, RD
Farm to School and School Garden Coordinator
Child Nutrition Programs
Office of the Superintendent
(503) 947-5901