Students at Butner Public Schools in Seminole County will soon be able to enjoy locally grown fruit, meat and vegetables at mealtimes, thanks to a grant from The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF).

The school district announced Tuesday via social media that it had received a $5,000 local farmer grant.

“This means that we get to enjoy fresh, healthy and delicious food straight from Oklahoma farms, like local meat, fruits and vegetables, right here in our cafeteria,” the post stated. “So, when you grab lunch, know that you’re supporting our local farmers and filling your plate with the best food around.”

According to the ODAFF website, the program reimburses schools for approved purchases of minimally processed foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, dairy and nuts. It is designed to help accredited Oklahoma schools connect with local farmers and ranchers that fit their needs.

“This program is opening up a significant opportunity for schools to give students better access to nutritious and local food,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “This program also expands potential markets for Oklahoma producers, while showing Oklahoma’s youth there are Agriculture possibilities right here at home.”

The Oklahoma Legislature has allocated more than $3 million to ODAFF for this program and schools can still apply for the funding through ODAFF’s online application portal (ag.ok.gov/local-food-forschools- program). Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis until all funds have been distributed.

Producers interested in serving schools can also apply with ODAFF. Schools may only be reimbursed for purchases from ODAFF-approved vendors that are part of the Local Food Procurement Assistance Program. Vendors can sign up online as well.

For more information about the program, contact Brady Womack at Brady. Womack@ag.ok.gov