Gov. Douglas Signs
‘Rozo’ School/Food Law

Joined by students from the Hartland Elementary School, Governor Jim Douglas yesterday signed into law the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Bill.

The measure establishes a permanent grant program to foster relationships between local schools and surrounding farms.

The program was piloted last year at several schools around the state and the new law will make it an ongoing effort administered by the Agency of Agriculture and Department of Education.

The bill also renames the program in memory of the former legislator Rosemary "Rozo" McLaughlin of South Royalton, who succumbed to cancer during the 2006 political campaign.

McLaughlin introduced the bill during her first term in office and continued to champion it. It is intended to help provide children with more healthy food in schools while benefiting Vermont farmers by giving them a new market for their produce.

"This program helps children and educators learn how best to incorporate Vermont produce in their daily diet," the governor said. "We are all delighted to make it permanent and to name the program after former Representative Rozo McLaughlin who shared our commitment to improving the health and welfare of every child."