Bill > A06619

This bill increases the state subsidy for school lunch meals for eligible school food authorities, which are entities that provide meals to students, if they purchase a certain percentage of their food products from New York state farmers, growers, producers, or processors. Specifically, starting in the school year beginning July 1, 2027, school food authorities can receive an increased subsidy ranging from twenty-six to thirty cents per school lunch meal, depending on whether they purchase at least thirty percent, forty-one percent, or fifty-one percent of their food for breakfast, lunch, and reimbursable snack programs from New York sources. This subsidy amount will also increase annually by one and a half percent. The bill also includes a transition period for the first three school years, starting July 1, 2027, where school food authorities previously approved for a subsidy will be deemed eligible for the lowest subsidy tier if they meet certain documentation requirements. The Department of Agriculture and Markets will administer an application process for this subsidy, requiring documentation of food purchases. The amendments related to eligible purchases apply to purchases made on or after July 1, 2026, while the tiered subsidy amounts, indexing, and transition provisions apply to meals served on or after July 1, 2027.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6619