Governor Kulongoski is continuing his efforts to reduce hunger in Oregon by pushing to expand the Farm Direct Nutrition program that provides locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables to women and children in need of food assistance.

As MedfordNews.com noted:

When the 2007 session of the legislature convenes next January, the Governor will include a budget increase for the program, he told a gathering of health professionals and hunger advocates at the Governor's Roundtable on Health and Hunger. Specifically, the Governor plans to ask for an increase of more than 10 percent in the total WIC Farm Direct Nutrition Program budget, which now spends $450,000 per year in state and federal funds money that goes straight to Oregon farmers.

"This program is a winning situation for everyone involved," the Governor said. "Women with children receive coupons and learn how to select and prepare nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables. This means their families will enjoy the health benefits from eating right. Local farmers and vegetable growers will enjoy the economic benefits of an expanded market for their products."

Read the full story here.