State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, is applauding the passage of two measures that will help expand markets for farmers in St. Lawrence County and across the state and allow consumers to more easily enjoy fresh, healthy foods.

Under Senate bill 3015, which is sponsored by Sen. Ritchie, consumers could use their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) market. By joining a CSA, customers can purchase local products, like meats and vegetables, directly from a local farmer.

“Today, several million New York State residents receive SNAP benefits,” said Ritchie, who serves as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Through this legislation, we can help provide a steady customer base for farmers, allowing them to invest in their farms, ensuring that consumers have regular deliveries of fresh, locally grown products.”

Also approved by the Senate today was a measure cosponsored by Senator Ritchie (Senate bill 428) that would help put more local foods in lunchrooms. The legislation increases the purchasing limit—from $25,000 to $150,000—allowed for school districts to buy from associations of ten or fewer producers, without seeking permission from the Department of Education. The measure was sent to the Assembly.

“When we put more local foods in our schools, we not only provide another opportunity for New York farmers to expand their markets into these institutions, we are also improving the health of growing students,” said Ritchie.