Bill > SB341

This bill reestablishes the Instructional School Gardens Program under the administration of the Department of Food and Agriculture, shifting it from the State Department of Education. The program aims to promote, create, and support instructional school gardens through grants and technical assistance to local educational agencies. The bill requires the department to convene a working group including representatives from various state agencies and community-based organizations to provide guidance and support for the program. A new competitive grant process will be developed by July 1, 2026, with specific eligibility criteria for local educational agencies and partner organizations. Applicants must submit plans for experiential, outdoor instruction that include developing garden spaces, using standards-aligned curricula, and providing direct learning opportunities in living ecosystems. The bill establishes two grant categories: operational grants for existing garden programs and in-development grants for schools needing infrastructure improvements. A new Instructional School Gardens and Maintenance Fund will be created in the State Treasury to support the program, with funding contingent on legislative appropriation or private donations. The bill also emphasizes the educational benefits of garden-based learning, including improved academic engagement, environmental literacy, social-emotional skills, and preparation for addressing climate change.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB341