Establishing a Farm to School Program

A.B. 746 requires the state Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to promote the use of state-grown food in school meals through Farm to School programs. The bill creates a farm to school coordinator position within the Department, a state farm to school advisory council, and a farm to school grant program to provide funds to school districts, nonprofit organizations, and others. A.B. 746 requires the Department to facilitate school purchases of local foods and provide technical assistance to food service personnel. The Department must also promote nutrition and agricultural education, including farm visits, cooking demonstrations, composting, and gardening at schools.