Jan
12
2012
Adam Putnam
Starting his second year as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam leads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Previously, he served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and spent four years in the Florida House of Representatives. Having grown up in the citrus and cattle industry, Putnam graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Food Resource and Economics.
On January 1, the state’s school food and nutrition programs transferred to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In this new role, we’re focused on improving the nutritional value of school meals by directing more locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to school cafeterias.
Over the last year, I visited many growers, processors and school cafeterias across Florida. From St. Johns County to Palm Beach County, I learned about creative programs and innovative techniques many schools have employed to improve nutrition among their students. I also learned about the challenges some schools faced in accessing locally-grown, fresh produce and in encouraging students to choose healthy options.
To overcome the barriers that lie in the way, it was critical to bring all the key parties to one table, where we could identify solutions together. In December, I hosted a forum in Tampa, where 40 stakeholders in child nutrition, including school leadership, school food service personnel, parents, farmers, distributors and health professionals, discussed the challenges and potential opportunities to improve child nutrition. It was the first time many of these individuals were engaged in a conversation with state officials about the future of child nutrition.
At the forum, participants shared much of the feedback I had learned during my visits. Farmers and distributors shared information with schools about growing seasons and packaging. School representatives shared innovative techniques they use to entice students to choose wholesome foods. By applying knowledge from the agriculture industry and expanding on successful programs already working in some schools, I believe we can improve the nutritional value of school meals.
My hope is that the difference we make in school cafeterias will have a lasting impact on Florida’s children. Learning to enjoy nutritious and wholesome foods at a young age can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating habits. But children are not the only stakeholders who will benefit. Schools will recognize increased focus and productivity in their students. The health system may experience a reduction in obesity related illnesses over the long-term. Florida’s growers and processors will enjoy increased demand for the products.
I look forward to partnering with Florida agriculture to make this vision a reality.