Bills helping local farms market foods locally clear Legislature, but will they stand budget test?

OLYMPIA — Mo McBroom wants the state Legislature to deliver a tonic to Washington’s blueberry patches and beet fields — and school lunches.

She also envisions a new wave of shoppers at farmers markets and an influx of fresh fruit to food pantries.

McBroom’s organization, the Washington Environmental Council, pushed legislation dubbed the Local Farms-Healthy Kids through the state Senate and House of Representatives, with help from parents such as Beth Loveridge of Port Angeles.

The legislation, HB 2798 and SB 6483, is enjoying victory, at least until the budget process ends next month.

The bill passed the House 95-1 last Thursday, with only Rep. Jim Dunn, a Republican from Vancouver, voting against it.

It cleared the Senate on Friday with a unanimous yes vote.

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