Bill > S00599

This bill establishes a farm-to-school food service reimbursement program that will provide additional funding to school districts starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Specifically, the bill allows the commissioner of education to reimburse districts an extra 25 cents per school lunch meal if they purchase at least 30% of their total food products (including both dairy and non-dairy items) from New York state farmers, growers, producers, or processors. The reimbursement will be calculated based on the number of federally reimbursable meals served under program agreements between the commissioner and participating school districts. The goal of this legislation appears to be supporting local agriculture while incentivizing school districts to source more of their food products from New York state producers, which could potentially benefit local economies and provide fresher food for students.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S599