Bill > S1151

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish the "NJ Whole Food" program, a two-year pilot program to increase the consumption of whole foods in school cafeterias. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 for this purpose. Under the bill, the department would identify no fewer than three school districts or charter schools in the State that the department considers to be appropriate for the pilot program. The department would also solicit appropriate vendors to participate in the program, hire additional staff as necessary to prepare school meals, and purchase any equipment necessary for the preparation of school meals. The department would be required to establish methods for measuring the health, learning, fiscal, and other benefits to students and school districts of using whole food in school breakfasts and lunches. The department may enter into a contract with a caterer, distributor, or other appropriate entity in order to implement the program. No later than three years after the effective date of this act, the department would submit a report to the Legislature on the "NJ Whole Food" program, including recommendations for future legislation. The program will expire upon submission of the report.

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Teresa Ruiz (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 02/03/2020)