This bill mandates the Departments of Agriculture and Education to collaboratively establish and implement a "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative within 180 days of the bill's effective date. The initiative aims to enhance the procurement and use of locally and regionally produced foods in school meal programs, thereby increasing student access to these foods. It will include raising awareness about local food availability, creating a centralized online resource hub for information on local food procurement, recognizing local food producers, and reviewing existing regulations to facilitate better procurement arrangements between schools and local farmers. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "food service management company" and "school food authority," to clarify the roles of entities involved in school meal services.

Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Education are tasked with adopting necessary rules and regulations to implement the initiative, ensuring that definitions of local and regional food align with federal standards. The legislation emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers and encourages students to make informed choices about their food consumption. By promoting the purchase and consumption of locally produced foods, the bill seeks to foster a greater understanding of the benefits of local food systems, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of local agriculture and the well-being of regional economies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:33-3.2