This bill requires the Departments of Agriculture and Education to work together to establish a "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative within 180 days of the bill's effective date. The initiative is designed to improve the procurement and use of locally and regionally produced foods in school meal programs, thereby increasing student access to these foods. Key components of the initiative include raising awareness about local food availability, creating a centralized online resource hub for local food procurement information, recognizing local food producers, and reviewing existing regulations to enhance food procurement arrangements between schools and local producers.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions such as "food service management company" and "school food authority" to clarify the roles of entities involved in school meal services. The Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Education are responsible for adopting necessary rules and regulations to implement the initiative, ensuring alignment with federal standards for local and regional food production. Overall, the legislation aims to promote the consumption of locally sourced foods among students, support local farmers, and foster a sustainable food culture that benefits both student health and local economies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:33-3.2