Bill > H735

This bill establishes a Food Literacy Trust Fund and creates comprehensive food literacy standards for schools in Massachusetts. The fund will receive money from appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal reimbursements, and will be managed by the state treasurer to support food literacy programs across various educational institutions, including school districts, charter schools, and private schools. The bill defines food literacy as a broad concept covering nutrition, culinary skills, food production, environmental connections, hunger issues, food system inequities, cultural food traditions, and potential careers in food-related fields. Schools will be encouraged to incorporate these food literacy standards into existing curriculum areas like mathematics, science, and social sciences. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be responsible for developing resources, providing professional development, and consulting with experts in nutrition, agriculture, and food systems. Additionally, the department will conduct an annual review of food literacy programs, convening a working group to study implementation and recommend improvements, with a report to be submitted to legislative committees. The goal is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of food systems, their impact on health, society, and the environment.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H735