Bill > S04081

This bill amends the education law to mandate comprehensive instruction on food, agriculture, and nutrition in New York schools. The legislation requires schools to include these topics as an integral part of health education for both elementary and high school students, with instruction designed to be age-appropriate and aimed at developing students' health knowledge, attitudes, and problem-solving skills. Elementary school pupils will receive this instruction from classroom teachers or certified health education instructors, while high schools must incorporate the topic into required health education courses taught by certified health teachers. The bill gives the commissioner of education authority to prescribe regulations for this instruction, with flexibility to vary content to meet specific school district needs. While the curriculum does not need to be uniform statewide, school districts must use either the commissioner-prescribed curriculum or a commissioner-approved course that meets established criteria. Additionally, school authorities are required to provide necessary facilities, time, learning aids, and curriculum resources to support effective teaching of food, agriculture, and nutrition education. The bill will take effect on the first of July following its enactment.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4081