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Fla. Senate Passes School Nutrition Bill

News 4 Jax – April 29, 2011

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate has approved a proposal from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to take over school food and nutrition programs from the State Board of Education.

Senators passed the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act (SB 1312) unanimously on Friday. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said the move will bring more fresh and wholesome foods to Florida’s school cafeterias.

“Every committee this bill has been heard in … this bill has passed unanimously,” said Sterling Ivey, a spokesman for Putnam.

But Education Board member Roberto Martinez had questioned the measure last month. He said Putnam’s goal is to protect Florida’s agriculture industry while children are the focus of the board. Martinez was concerned about a potential conflict of interest.

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