“On average, an apple travels 1,500 miles from farm to school. This bill gives schools the freedom to buy apples from their neighbors and keep every dollar spent in the community instead of traveling across the country and back,” said Pingree. “This legislation will not only bring healthier food to our schools but also pump money into local economies.”

Currently, about 80 percent of the federal funds schools receive for free-and-reduced-lunch programs are through unrestricted reimbursements. But about 20 percent of federal funding is given to schools to purchase commodity food from the USDA.

Pingree’s legislation would give schools the option of redirecting 10 percent of its commodities funding to purchase local foods, resulting in no extra costs for taxpayers.

“In America, we have slowly moved further and further away from feeding our kids healthy meals at school and at the same time have watched thousands of family-run farm literally disappear,” said Pingree. “Many Maine schools have gone out of their way to buy food from local farms but dwindling budgets and competing priorities have resulted in less money for local food options in cafeterias. My bill frees up money to purchase locally produced food by giving them the option to spend 10 percent of what they would receive for government commodities on food from local farms.”

In June, Pingree held a Children’s Nutrition Forum at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton to hear from local school nutrition directors on how the federal government could better support their efforts to produce healthier meals for students.

Governor Baldacci is the current Chair of the New England Governors’ Conference. He and New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham served as co-chairs for the 33rd Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

Seven resolutions were signed by the participants of the conference. Topics ranged from regional energy, green economy and pandemic preparedness issues.

“The current global financial crisis hastens us to find collaborative regional approaches to economic, energy and other issues,” said Governor Baldacci. “Working together and combining our strengths, we can stake out opportunities to grow good paying jobs and increase our energy independence.”

Specific sessions today included: The Green Economy; Energy Trade and Transmission Developments; The Regional Economy; Climate Change; Energy Efficiency; and Pandemic Preparedness.

The resolutions signed today are:
· Resolution Concerning the Green Economy;
Resolution Concerning Renewable Energy;
Resolution Concerning Climate Change;
Resolution Concerning Energy Efficiency;
Resolution Concerning Pandemic Preparedness;
Resolution Concerning 400th Anniversary of Cupids, Newfoundland and Labrador; and
Resolution Concerning Trade.

For the text of the resolutions as agreed upon at the Conference, please go to: http://www.scics.gc.ca

“I want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for coordinating this exceptional opportunity for residents and visitors alike to access some of Maine’s most valued treasures,” said Governor Baldacci. “I’m pleased the State of Maine can partner with them to celebrate our coastal icons.”

The partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the State of Maine and American Lighthouse Foundation is intended to increase awareness of the rich maritime history of Maine’s lighthouses and lighthouse keepers.

On the day of the September event, Coast Guard personnel will coordinate a detailed survey of the material condition of the lighthouses. Their survey results along with digital photos will be posted on a special Web site; www.lighthouseday.com

In addition, 52 days prior to the event the Coast Guard will highlight one lighthouse each day on that Web site.

“The Coast Guard has had a presence in Maine since the Portland Head Light was established in 1791. We are very pleased to work with the ALF and the State of Maine to highlight the incredible history of lighthouses and lighthouse keepers,” said RADM Dale Gabel. “We are proud of our 200-year history of providing service to the citizens of Maine and the U.S. By offering the public the opportunity to visit these 52 lighthouses we have the opportunity to share this legacy. Our detailed material surveys will also provide important information on the condition of these noble structures.”

A list of participating lighthouses, community events taking place the September 12th weekend and other details can be found at www.lighthouseday.com.