The bill amends section 3301.0718 and enacts section 3301.0733 of the Revised Code to establish the Food Literacy Standards Act. This legislation mandates the Department of Education and Workforce to adopt food literacy standards for students in grades kindergarten through twelve. The new standards will be developed based on a review of relevant national and state standards and will provide guidance on how food choices affect health, meal preparation, and food production. The Department is required to consult with the Department of Agriculture during the development of these standards and may revise them as necessary.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for the adoption and dissemination of these standards. Once adopted, the Department must post the standards on its website and provide them to all school districts and community schools, which are then required to make the standards publicly accessible. Parents or guardians can request that their child be excused from food literacy instruction, but this does not exempt students from health education requirements necessary for high school graduation. The existing section 3301.0718 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3301.0718