Committee hears bill to bring Oregon seafood into school meals

House members heard testimony March 17 on House Bill 35 568, a bill that would direct $600,000 from the general fund to the Oregon Department of Education for the Oregon Coast Visitors Association to support seafood-focused education and marketing in K–12 schools, and $200,000 to the Department of Agriculture for local food incentives and seafood product development for school meals. The measure declares an emergency and would take effect July 1, 2025.

The bill’s sponsors and supporters framed the proposal as an economic and nutritional initiative. Representative David Gomberg, who represents House District 10, told the committee the measure grows from a 2023 rural economic package and partnerships with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and the Oregon Farm to School Network aimed at keeping more local catch in Oregon markets. “This bill is good for our coastal industries. It’s good for the health of our students, and it’s certainly good for helping meet our emissions goal,” Gomberg said.

Senator Suzanne Weber, Senate District 16, which includes the North Coast, emphasized local economic benefit and student nutrition. “A minor adjustment of 10% in that figure would mean millions of more dollars injected into our coastal economy,” Weber said, adding that seafood is “rich in omega-3 fatty acids” and offers health benefits for children.

Erica Sears, deputy director of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, described operational and program goals the association would pursue with the funds: culinary training and resources for child nutrition programs, seafood recipes for school meal programs, and efforts to help seafood harvesters and processors make products appropriate for school procurement. Sears said the funds are an “investment” in coastal communities and student health.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the seafood supply chain and where Oregon-caught seafood currently goes; Senator Weber said much of the seafood served on the Oregon coast is imported or arrives frozen from distant sources. No formal action on HB 35 568 was taken in the hearing; the committee opened and closed the public hearing and received testimony from the sponsors and association representatives.

Why it matters: proponents said the bill aims to support coastal economies, improve student nutrition, and expand market opportunities for Oregon seafood through schools. The measure would create a focused, one-time appropriation for demonstration and outreach rather than a long-term entitlement.

Where it stands: the committee received testimony and closed the public hearing; further committee action was not recorded in the transcript.