Action Alert: Funding School Gardens via the 2007 Farm Bill
DECEMBER 19, 2007

TEXT OF SANDERS AMENDMENT TO THE SENATE FARM BILL AUTHORIZING
FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOL GARDENS

INCLUDED IN THE HARKIN MANAGER'S AMENDMENT PASSED BY U.S.
SENATE - DECEMBER 14, 2007

(3) PILOT PROGRAM FOR HIGH-POVERTY SCHOOLS.--

(A) DEFINITIONS.--In this paragraph:

(i) ELIGIBLE PROGRAM.--The term 'eligible program' means--

(I) a school-based program with hands-on vegetable gardening
and nutrition education that is incorporated into the curriculum for
1 or more grades at 2 or more eligible schools; or

(II) a community-based summer program with hands-on vegetable
gardening and nutrition education that is part of, or coordinated with,
a summer enrichment program at 2 or more eligible schools.

(ii) ELIGIBLE SCHOOL.--The term 'eligible school' means a public
school, at least 50 percent of the students of which are eligible for free
or reduced price meals under this Act.

(B) ESTABLISHMENT.--The Secretary shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide to nonprofit organizations or public entities in not more than 5 States grants to develop and run, through eligible programs, community gardens at eligible schools in the States that would--

(i) be planted, cared for, and harvested by students at the
eligible schools; and

(ii) teach the students participating in the community gardens about
agriculture, sound farming practices, and diet.

(C) PRIORITY STATES.--Of the States provided a grant under this paragraph--

(i) at least 1 State shall be among the 15 largest States, as determined
by the Secretary;

(ii) at least 1 State shall be among the 16th to 30th largest States, as
determined by the Secretary; and

(iii) at least 1 State shall be a State that is not described in clause (i) or (ii).

(D) USE OF PRODUCE.--Produce from a community garden provided a grant under this paragraph may be--

(i) used to supplement food provided at the eligible school;

(ii) distributed to students to bring home to the families of the students; or

(iii) donated to a local food bank or senior center nutrition program.

(E) NO COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT.--A nonprofit organization or public entity that receives a grant under this paragraph shall not be required to share the cost of carrying out the activities assisted under this paragraph.

(F) EVALUATION.--A nonprofit organization or public entity that receives a grant under this paragraph shall be required to cooperate in an evaluation in accordance with paragraph (1)(H).

(G) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $10,000,000.

For PDF of full amendment, click here (NOTE: amendment is in center column, mid-page, under PILOT PROGRAM FOR HIGH-POVERTY SCHOOLS)
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