Little Rock, AR - The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, today announced the transition of statewide nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture. The transition will be effective October 1. The move reflects Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ commitment to strengthening the connection between Arkansas agriculture and statewide nutrition programs. 

This partnership aligns with Arkansas’s efforts to enhance collaboration between farmers, ranchers, and statewide nutrition programs to support healthy meals while promoting locally grown products and addressing food insecurity in Arkansas.

Nutrition programs transitioning to the Department of Agriculture include federal programs such as the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Feeding Program, Summer Food Service Program, Emergency Food Assistance Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant Program. The Department of Agriculture will now serve as the primary state agency responsible for the administration of these programs.

As part of this transition, the Department is also launching a new pilot program, Arkansas Rice in Schools, to increase the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meal programs. Arkansas leads the nation in rice production, and the initiative will both highlight this homegrown commodity and provide students with nutritious, locally sourced meals. Participating districts will receive training, recipes, and classroom education from Department staff. 

“Transitioning our statewide nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture is not only about good governance and streamlining the administration processes; it is also about encouraging stronger relationships between Arkansas’ farmers and the people who benefit from these programs,” said Governor Sanders. “Additionally, the Arkansas Rice in Schools pilot program will give Arkansas students access to much needed food while also educating them on rice production and its significant contribution to the state’s economy. Both of these announcements build on my administration’s efforts to make sure every Arkansas student gets the food they need to come to class ready to learn.”

“This transition strengthens the connection between Arkansas agriculture and statewide nutrition programs as well as Arkansas youth through the meals served in our schools,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Through the Arkansas Rice in Schools pilot, we are excited to showcase one of our state’s most important crops while ensuring students have access to nutritious, locally grown food.”

“By streamlining school food service programs under the Department of Agriculture, we allow for more innovation and efficiency, ensuring our students not only receive healthy meals, but also learn about nutrition, agriculture, and living a healthy lifestyle,” said Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva.

“The Arkansas Rice Federation appreciates the Governor and her team’s efforts to increase the use of nutritious, home-grown rice in our schools,” said Dow Brantley, rice farmer and chair of the Arkansas Rice Federation. “Arkansas grows more than 50% of the nation’s rice and we encourage our fellow Arkansans to take advantage of the healthy grain grown by your neighbors.”

Additional information for schools interested in participating in the Arkansas Rice in Schools pilot program can be found on the Department’s website here.

Today’s announcement builds on Governor Sanders’ ongoing efforts to reduce food insecurity and strengthen student nutrition across Arkansas. Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed the Good Neighbor Act, expanding liability protections for food bank donors to encourage schools, restaurants, and other potential donors to reduce food waste and support those in need. She also signed SB59 this past legislative session, requiring all Arkansas public schools to provide one free breakfast to students per school day, making Arkansas the first state in the South to implement such a program. In addition, Governor Sanders previously signed legislation providing free school lunches for eligible students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals and announced the continuation of the Summer EBT program to ensure Arkansas students had access to food in the summer months.