State lottery funding sought to supplement program

By MITCH LIES

Capital Press

SALEM -- Operators of big and small farms alike stand to gain if Oregon's farm-to-school program is expanded, according to Oregon farmers.

Jeff Dunn of Willamette Valley Fruit Co., said expanding the program also will improve the diet of school children.

"Oregon agricultural crops are not only better for you, they taste better, as well," Dunn said at a hearing March 9 on legislation to expand the program.

Jeff Thomas of Kimberly Orchards said he's sold fruit to the Bend-La Pine School District since 2005. Initially he sold 5 percent of his volume, or 40 tons, to the district, he said. This past year he sold 30 percent of his volume to three school districts.

The sales bring the farm a better return than selling fruit to grocery stores, he said.

"It has been a very positive impact for our operation," he said.

Scott Frost, a small farmer from near Albany, said a pilot farm-to-school project in the Portland School District has been vital to his operation.

"It brings in a check that has become a lifeline for my marketing strategy as a small, local farmer," he said.

Oregon lawmakers this session are considering whether to pump lottery money into Oregon's farm-to-school program.

The program was adopted in 2009, but not funded. It has had limited participation to date.

Under HB2800, the state would reimburse schools for the added costs of buying Oregon food products.

Most school lunch and breakfast purchase decisions are made based on low bids. Typically they involve large scale, bulk purchases, said Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem, a co-sponsor of the bill.

HB2800 calls for the state to dedicate $22.5 million in lottery money to the program. An amendment Clem proposes would drop the price tag to $2 million.

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee took no action on the bill.