New Jersey trying to boost Farm to School program

PRINCETON (AP) — New Jersey's Farm-to-School program is getting some updates.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, serving as acting governor while Chris Christie is out of state, signed five laws intended to help the program during a stop Monday at a Princeton orchard.

The bills include measures to require the state Agriculture Department to post information about the program on a website. They also allow donations to the program to be made, including by a check-off on tax returns.

They would also set up awards to recognize the state's top individual programs.

Another measure would use the web to link farms with schools and food banks.

Lawmakers from both parties heralded the bills, saying the program is important for the nutrition of kids.

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