I totally get that and agree, and was thinking that there might be a way to do some economic development to create jobs and enhance local dollar multiplier effect, if we were to start incorporating locally grown food into school menus. It would of course also taste better and be more nutritious by its freshness, even if not organic.
I have said for years that all the schools should integrate gardening and food preparation into the curriculum (science, math, geology, biology, art, all disciplines could be used and reinforced in real-life-usable ways in this important life skill learning experience)...it would also provide healthier foods in lunchrooms etc. I believe last year the prison garden had bumper crops of some things, more than they could use (I guess they don't have facilities to preserve food there), and they donated it to the schools.
There's also the old practice of gleaning -- going into large farm fields after mechanical harvesting, and picking up what's left behind by hand.
I think the extension service is moving into supporting this sort of thing. ACT Walton. I think they are offering classes in preserving foods and all sorts of related things. And I think there's a move afoot to work with the Muscogee folks on putting together a community garden up there, to help them move towards food self-sufficiency.
Also, a reminder--Christ the King Episcopal Church in SRB provides free supper on Tuesday evenings. I am pretty sure they're still doing that, and I hear they have had generous donations and are able to put together really nice meals.
I just don't know how to make it all happen and work together, and so far I've not been able to inspire any of our elected officials to get behind anything this sensible. It's always "you can't get there from here."
If I remember correctly, this only cost $1.00 per meal and that included a drink (milk-white, chocolate, or juice).