Bill > SB0277

This bill establishes the Indiana Grown Produce for Students Program, which aims to improve children's nutrition and support the state's agricultural economy by providing grants to eligible schools (defined as school corporations or charter schools participating in school lunch programs) to purchase locally grown produce. The program will create a dedicated fund that can reimburse schools up to 50% of the cost of Indiana-grown produce and up to 25% for related labor and transportation expenses, with grant amounts calculated at ten cents per meal served in the previous school year. Schools must apply for grants, provide detailed documentation about their produce purchases (including farm origin and costs), and the Department of Education will collaborate with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to help schools source local produce. The bill requires an annual report to the legislative council detailing program participation, grant amounts, and recommendations for increasing access to Indiana-grown produce. The fund will be supported by state appropriations, gifts, grants, and other transferred state funds, with unspent money rolling over each fiscal year instead of returning to the general fund. The program is set to begin on July 1, 2025, with schools able to start applying for grants on August 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/277/details