Establishing a state grant program for farm to school programs

This law establishes a state grant program for farm to school programs. School districts and other school entities that provide K-8th grade education and participate in a Federal child nutrition program are eligible for the grants. Programs funded by the grants must focus on locally grown foods provided from Pennsylvania farms, nutrition education, direct marketing opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers, family and community involvement, and school field trips to nearby farms. Grants may be used to establish a school garden or pollinator habitat. Grants are limited to 75% of the amount necessary to develop the program and may not exceed $15,000 per school per year. Grants are available to applicants who are able to incorporate all of the program requirements, have a high percentage of children receiving free and reduced-price school meals, can procure locally grown foods, and possess the potential to increase markets for local agricultural producers and the ability to sustain the program.