In the 2021 state budget recently approved, lawmakers funded an expansion of a program called 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan’s Kids and Farms to take the program statewide. It had been available only in limited Michigan counties.

The program provides schools matching funds to buy fruits and vegetables from nearby farms to use in school meals.

Several Northeast Michigan school leaders told reporter Crystal Nelson for a recent story they are exploring whether the program will work for their districts.

We hope they can find a way.

We all know the importance of shopping local, keeping the dollars earned by our community in our community to support our local businesses. And eating food raised in your back yard is always better for you.

So the program seems like a win-win — help our farmers, help our kids, good for our schools — and we hope local schools can implement it.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)