Bill would force schools to seek USDA waiver for imported food

A California congressman wants to tighten controls on school districts purchasing imported foods for lunches.  A bill by Rep. John Garamendi, a Democrat, would add teeth to a current law allowing districts to use food that wasn’t produced in the United States if they obtain a waiver from the USDA. Schools can look overseas for items such as canned fruits and vegetables if the cost of domestic products is significantly higher, but districts don’t always bother seeking the waiver, according to Garamendi’s office. The lawmaker’s American Food for American Schools Act would make the waiver a legal requirement and mandate that waiver requests be made available to the public.