Jun. 05, 2019
HARRISBURG – The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved a package of bills that included one sponsored by Rep. John Hershey (R-Juniata/Mifflin/Franklin) in pursuit of supporting agriculture education.
House Bill 1514 would revise and reestablish the Healthy Farms Healthy Schools program, which provides grants up to $15,000 for schools that want to teach young children about nutrition and agriculture.
“Educational, hands-on experiences for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade help them have a healthy diet while they are developing lifelong eating habits,” Hershey said.
This bill expands opportunities for direct marketing for farmers and visits to farms for schoolchildren.
“It is important we equip teachers who want to incorporate nutrition and agriculture education into their curriculum. Because of a diminished number of farms in the state and societal changes, some children have no connection to the farm. Unfortunately, many think their food originates on a grocery store shelf,” Hershey said.
House Bill 1514 is one of 10 bills passed by the committee Thursday. They now go to the full House for consideration.
Representative John Hershey
82nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6335
jfitch@pahousegop.com
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