Reps. Walker and Sheltrown offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 408.

A resolution proclaiming the week of October 5 – 11, 2008, as Michigan Harvest for Michigan Kids Week.

Whereas, Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry, employing over one million Michigan residents and boasting an annual economic impact over 60 billion dollars; and

Whereas, Expanding market opportunities for Michigan farmers will preserve and strengthen local food production and further increase the already significant contribution that agriculture makes to the state economy; and

Whereas, Local food production leads to more direct and indirect jobs in agricultural production, food processing, and tourism; supports improved stewardship of arable land; promotes energy conservation and greenhouse gas reductions; and increases food security and nutrition through improved access to locally produced foods; and

Whereas, Research repeatedly shows that adequate nutrition is a key building block for school children’s health, growth, and academic performance; and

Whereas, Augmenting the availability in schools of Michigan-produced agricultural products can improve children’s diets by increasing their access to a greater variety of fresh, healthy foods; and

Whereas, Collaboration between school teachers, food service staff and local food and agriculture professionals will provide students with improved education and a greater appreciation of our state’s natural resources and economy; and

Whereas, A robust state agriculture industry serving local demand in our schools will strengthen our economy, improve nutrition among children, and promote positive impact on our environment to the benefit of all Michigan residents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body proclaim the week of October 5 – 11, 2008, as Michigan Harvest for Michigan Kids Week.  We express support for increasing the consumption of Michigan agricultural products by children and enhancing Michigan’s agriculture industry by connecting our state’s farms with our school children; and further be it

Resolved, That the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Education shall work with school food service, health, nutrition, farm, agri-science education, and other interested professionals and organizations to promote this event every year in order to connect Michigan agricultural products to children through school meal programs and the classroom, at farms, farmers’ markets, and other locations in the community.