The bill establishes the Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program in New Jersey, aimed at reimbursing school districts for costs associated with sourcing and procuring local foods for students. Funded by an appropriation of $6,500,000, the program is designed to enhance local food procurement policies and practices in participating schools. Eligible districts, which must provide subsidized meals, can apply for grants based on their size—small, medium, or large—with specific funding limits. The Secretary of Agriculture will oversee the program, including the application process and fund distribution, while prioritizing districts with a high percentage of subsidized students and those located in food deserts.

The bill outlines the application requirements for school districts, which include identifying participating schools and detailing current food procurement practices. It mandates that at least 80% of the grant funds be used for reimbursing eligible local food procurement costs, with up to 20% allocated for equipment and staff training. The funds will be disbursed on a rolling basis, and any unclaimed funds at the end of the disbursement period will be reclaimed for future grants. Additionally, the bill allows for the rollover of unspent grant funds in cases of hardship, provided the district can demonstrate the circumstances that led to the inability to fully utilize the funds.