Senate passes Vitelli bill to encourage more Maine schools to buy fresh, local produce

AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate on Wednesday passed a bill from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, that would encourage public schools in Maine to buy and serve local produce. LD 454, “An Act To Encourage the Purchase of Local Produce for Public Schools,” received strong bipartisan support.

“Making sure kids have enough healthy food to eat is crucial to their ability to learn and grow. This bill supports both our students and our local farmers and food producers,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I’m glad my colleagues in the Senate offered their strong support for this bill.”

LD 454 would provide the funding and staffing needed to give local schools and nutrition directors the resources they need to purchase and serve locally grown foods.

The bill now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to either sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.