With rising fuel costs making it prohibitively expensive to import products from distant places such as California and China, it is getting easier for New York farmers to get their fruits and vegetables into the school lunches of local children. According to the Times Union, the push for healthier options in cafeterias and the cost-efficiency of local food is benefiting Empire state farmers. Healthier foods can catch on with youngsters who are exposed to them.

Members of the state Farm Bureau and some upstate food producers came to the state Capitol Wednesday to urge passage of "Healthy Foods" legislation that would give their products an even greater edge. There are several versions of the bills and the proposals would place restrictions on cholesterol and calories in school food, which could work in favor of fruits and vegetables.