Establishing the California Fresh Start Pilot Program

S.B. 281 establishes the California Fresh Start Pilot Program to provide additional fresh fruit and vegetables through the School Breakfast Program. The bill reimburses schools 10 cents for every breakfast that includes an additional fruit or vegetable serving. It also encourages schools to buy California products and requires that they offer local produce samples as a part of nutrition education. The legislation gives the state Department of Education $400,000 to provide competitive grants, $100,000 of which may fund an online seminar for school-site staff who will handle, serve, and promote fresh produce.