Arienne Childrey's Plan: Putting Ohio Farmers and Rural Communities First
Proposed Legislation: Rural Ohio Opportunity Through Sourcing Act (ROOTS Act)
Introduction:
As your Democratic candidate for Ohio House of Representatives, District 84, I'm fighting for the family farmers, small-town diners, and rural schools that keep our communities strong and self-reliant. In Mercer, Auglaize, Darke, and the surrounding counties, our family farms are the heart of our way of life—but too often, they lose out to big corporate supply chains that ship jobs and dollars out of Ohio.
My plan fixes that. The Rural Ohio Opportunity Through Sourcing Act (ROOTS Act) uses targeted incentives—not heavy-handed rules—to make it easier and more rewarding for local businesses and schools to buy from Ohio farmers. This keeps money right here in rural pockets, supports family farms, creates jobs, and puts fresher, healthier food on kids' plates—without growing government or wasting taxpayer dollars.
We build on what already works in Ohio, like Ohio Farm to School and Ohio Proud, with a sharp focus on rural areas like ours where these connections can make the biggest difference. It's about empowering hardworking people: farmers getting fair markets, diners featuring local ingredients, schools feeding kids better, and communities staying strong.
Why This Matters in District 84 and Rural Ohio
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Our family farmers need steady local buyers so they can thrive without depending on distant middlemen.
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Small diners and restaurants want to serve fresh Ohio beef, produce, and dairy but face extra costs that add up.
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Rural schools want to give kids meals from nearby farms—better for health and teaching pride in our agriculture—but tight budgets get in the way.
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When food dollars stay local, rural jobs grow, small businesses succeed, and our communities keep their strength—no need to rely on far-off systems.
Real-world examples show that investing in local food pays off: every dollar spent generates strong returns through higher farmer income, business growth, and healthier kids who do better in school.
Key Components of the Proposed Rural Ohio Opportunity Through Sourcing Act
1. Rural Ohio Opportunity Through Sourcing Fund
Administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), working closely with OSU Extension and rural school districts.
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Run by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), partnering with OSU Extension and rural school districts.
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Start with modest, focused funding ($8–12 million annually from the General Revenue Fund) to get it going and prove results.
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Scale up only if it delivers: Future increases tied directly to proven success (like new farmer sales, rural jobs created, and clear economic reports)—no open-ended spending.
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Full transparency: Annual reports to taxpayers showing exactly where every dollar goes and what it achieves.
2. Incentives for Rural Businesses (Diners, Restaurants, Small Eateries)
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15% Refundable Tax Credit: Small businesses earn a 15% credit on purchases from Ohio farmers (capped at $10,000–$12,000/year to target family operations).
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"Local" means produced in Ohio, with priority for nearby rural farms.
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Simple verification with receipts or Ohio Proud—no complicated red tape.
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Matching Grants for Improvements: Up to $5,000–$8,000 per year to help rural spots add storage for fresh local goods or build direct farmer relationships.
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"Ohio Rural Proud Partner" Certification: Free marketing help through Ohio Proud—signs for your business, promotion in state guides, and events linking rural eateries with nearby farmers.
3. Support for Rural Schools
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15% Local Procurement Goal: Encourage public K-12 schools in rural districts to source at least 15% of food budgets from Ohio farmers by 2030—voluntary, with real incentives to make it happen, not forced requirements.
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State covers up to 15% of any extra cost or transport for qualifying local purchases.
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Targeted Rural Grants: Funding set aside for rural school needs—upgrading kitchens for fresh food prep, helping with logistics (like food hubs in Mercer/Auglaize/Darke), and farm-to-school activities such as farmer visits or taste tests.
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Build on Ohio Farm to School wins in rural Ohio: more connections, events, and ways for kids to learn about real food from their own communities.
4. State-Level Boost for Rural Producers
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10% price preference for Ohio-grown foods in state-funded services (schools, institutions)—leveling the field for rural farms.
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ODA/OSU Extension matchmaking: Events connecting District 84 farmers with local buyers, practical contracts, and hands-on help—focused support, not overreach.
5. Built-in Accountability and Rural Focus
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Input from real people in our district: farmers, restaurateurs, school nutrition staff.
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5-year review/sunset: If it's not working for rural Ohio, we adjust or end it—accountability to taxpayers first.
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Extra emphasis on underserved rural spots like ours for grants and resources.
Real Benefits for District 84 Families
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Farmers gain reliable markets and better income—keeping family farms going strong for the next generation.
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Small businesses cut costs and proudly serve "Made in Ohio" food—drawing customers who care about local.
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Rural kids get fresher, healthier meals—sharper in class, learning pride in where their food comes from.
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Our communities keep more money circulating here—growing jobs, building stronger rural economies, and reducing dependence on outside suppliers.
This is about giving power back to the people who work hard every day in District 84. If it succeeds (and similar efforts show it creates real returns), we'll have the proof to responsibly grow the support—putting even more back into rural Ohio.
If elected to represent the 84th District, my top priority will be teaming up with fellow legislators to introduce and pass this common-sense bill through the proper channels.
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Stand with rural Ohio—support the Rural Ohio Opportunity Through Sourcing Act.
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