The bill establishes the Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program in New Jersey, aimed at reimbursing eligible school districts for costs associated with sourcing and procuring local foods for students. With an appropriation of $6,500,000, the program seeks to enhance local food procurement practices in schools, ensuring that participating institutions provide subsidized meals. The Secretary of Agriculture will administer the grants on a competitive basis, with eligibility criteria that prioritize districts serving a high percentage of subsidized students, those in food deserts, and those with a history of effective grant usage.

Under the program, school districts can apply for funding based on their size, with specific minimum and maximum grant amounts for small, medium, and large districts. The bill mandates that at least 80% of the grant funds be used for reimbursing local food procurement costs, while up to 20% can be allocated for equipment and staff training. It also includes provisions for monitoring the use of grant funds and prohibits the rollover of unspent funds to the next year, except in cases of unforeseen hardships. The bill emphasizes sourcing from small or mid-sized family farms and socially disadvantaged farmers, thereby promoting local agriculture and improving food access for students.