General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6842 proposes the establishment of a Local Food for Schools Incentive Program and the expansion of the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant Program. The bill defines relevant terms and sets criteria for school boards' eligibility, focusing on participation in federal meal programs. It introduces a reimbursement system for schools purchasing local and regional foods, with specified reimbursement rates for each. The bill outlines administrative procedures for reimbursements, record-keeping, and adherence to nutrition standards. It also tasks the Department of Education with program administration, guideline development, and prioritizing equity across various dimensions. The bill includes provisions for annual surveys, grants for kitchen equipment and training, and the acceptance of gifts to support the program. It allows for the carryover of unexpended funds and proportional reduction of reimbursements if necessary. The Department of Education is also required to provide annual reports on the program, and appropriations are made for staffing and program development.

The bill is identified as Substitute Bill No. 6842 and is set to become effective on July 1, 2024. It has been favorably recommended by the Education Committee and has undergone substitution by the Committee on Appropriations. The document indicates processing by the Legislative Commissioners' Office but does not provide the full text, making it impossible to summarize the specific legal insertions or deletions proposed. The bill's intent is to support local agriculture and improve the quality of food provided in schools, with an emphasis on equity and sustainability.