I, the undersigned, support the legislation under LSR (House Bill number to be assigned), the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Bill, that will provide funding for a reimbursement program to incentivize participating New Hampshire schools and food service directors to purchase locally grown and produced food for breakfast and lunch services.

I believe that all students need good nutrition to learn well. The Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program will boost youth health and wellness, and support the economic viability of New Hampshire’s farms.

A state investment of $600k in the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program, combined with $1.2 million federal dollars participating New Hampshire schools receive as part of the funding for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, will inject $1.8 million into New Hampshire’s agricultural economy.

Participating schools will be reimbursed $1 for every $3 dollars spent on purchases from New Hampshire producers and fishers with a reimbursement cap of $1,200 per school, per school year. Purchased foods will be required to meet qualifying criteria to be eligible for reimbursement. Eligible foods include dairy, fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry and eggs, pork, sustainably-caught fish, cider, and maple syrup and can be purchased directly from producers, from New Hampshire or regional food hubs, or through conventional distributors. All food purchased will require proof of origin on submitted invoices.

66,000 students in New Hampshire already participate in farm to school activities such as school garden programs, and nutrition, agriculture and cooking curriculum. The Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program will bring farm to school learnings from the classroom to the cafeteria. And students who do not have access to farm to school programming will have the opportunity to learn about the variety of fruits, vegetables, and other products grown and produced both locally and regionally.

Please support fresh local food in our childrens’ schools and fund the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program.

Please use the space below to provide any personal reasons or stories related to your choice to support this legislation. (ex. "At home, my kids eat a lot of local fruits and vegetables. I would love for them to have the same opportunity during lunch at school.")