Establishing Farm-to-School Procurement Processes and Procedures

This law directs the Department of Education and Department of Agriculture and Industries to coordinate various efforts in support of farm-to-school initiatives. It creates a farm-to-school coordinator position within the state Department of Agriculture and Industries; directs the Department of Education to “encourage school food service directors to include local farmers, processors, and suppliers when procuring farm products that fall under the small purchase threshold” and to “encourage all new school construction projects to consider kitchen facilities capable of producing fresh and healthy school meals and opportunities for hands-on learning.” Pursuant to a 2017 amendment (Al. Pub. Act 421, 2017 Al. HB 53), it also allows purchases of unprocessed agricultural products under the program with simplified contracting processes if the cost of the food purchased is equal to or less than the federal simplified acquisition threshold. See also Ala. Code § 16-13B-2, subd.(a)(14).