House Concurrent Resolution 112

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF OCTOBER AS "MISSISSIPPI FARM TO SCHOOL WEEK" TO ENCOURAGE THE SERVING OF LOCALLY GROWN AND LOCALLY RAISED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN SCHOOL MEALS, AND RECOGNIZING THE SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

WHEREAS, according to the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, 44.4 percent of Mississippi's children are overweight or obese; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2009 Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 79 percent of Mississippi public school students eat less than five servings of fruits and vegetables each day; and

WHEREAS, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the target behaviors for preventing and controlling obesity enumerated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and farm to school programs have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among students; and

WHEREAS, there are approximately 42,300 farms in Mississippi that employ approximately 17 percent of the state's workforce, and it is therefore vital to support the maintenance and expansion of this important industry; and

WHEREAS, farm to school programs strengthen the local economy by generating new revenue for local farmers, which in turn spurs spending on other local products and services; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to strengthen our state economy by increasing revenue for Mississippi farmers through encouraging the purchase of their products whenever possible, the Legislature desires to promote the purpose of "Mississippi Farm to School Week," which encourages the serving of locally grown and locally raised agricultural products in school meals, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and through classroom activities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate the first full week of October, in 2012 and in each succeeding year, as "Mississippi Farm to School Week" in the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we do hereby encourage other community organizations such as government agencies, community groups, churches, and farmers markets to be involved in Mississippi Farm to School Week by promoting events, purchasing and selling locally grown and locally raised agricultural products, and fostering and supporting gardens in schools and communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.