MADISON, WI – Today, Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) joined Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo), Representative Kristina Shelton (D-Green Bay), and Governor Tony Evers in introducing LRB 4243, a bill to fund a Farm to School and Farm to Fork grant program in Wisconsin.
This bill is part of a package of proposals designed to build upon the investments in our agricultural industry that were made in the 2021-23 biennial budget. It also continues the work of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, connecting critical sectors of Wisconsin’s economy to reduce our carbon footprint in the food supply chain. Rep. Greta Neubauer issued the following statement in support:
“I am proud to join Sen. Pfaff, Rep. Considine, and Rep. Shelton in introducing a funded Farm to School and Farm to Fork grant program in Wisconsin. Agriculture is a crucial part of Wisconsin’s heritage and our economy, employing over 10% of our workforce and contributing over $100 billion annually to our economy,” Neubauer stated. “We’re famous worldwide for our dairy and our delicious fruits and vegetables, including cherries, cranberries, and corn. This bill will help to connect cafeterias in our schools and communities with nearby farms, so that our friends and neighbors can enjoy healthy, locally-produced food, learn about agriculture and nutrition, and support our local farmers.
“By investing in Farm to School and Farm to Fork, we’ll not only be eating locally, we’ll also be reducing our carbon emissions in our communities. Eating fresh, local food means less shipping, less storage, and less refrigeration is needed, cutting down on the gas and electricity we consume on the way to eating a delicious meal,” Neubauer continued. “With programs like Farm to School and Farm to Fork, we can all enjoy the best Wisconsin has to offer — fresh, local, nutritious food, produced and prepared in our own communities by our friends and neighbors.”
