Relating to the Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program

H. 828 / S. 169 allows early childhood education centers receive farm to school funding. It also amends the language authorizing the program to add a purpose and goals, which were previously not included. According to S.33, the purpose of the grant program is to enhance students’ educational experience, improve their health, and support the state’s local food economy. Goals include establishing educational programming in 75 percent of schools and schools’ purchasing 50 percent of food from local sources by 2025. Among other things, this bill expands the scope of activities that grants fund and aligns farm to school activities with the state’s School Wellness Policy Guidelines.