Bill > HB1768

This bill establishes the Keystone Fresh Farm to School Nutrition Act, which creates three main grant programs to support local food purchasing in Pennsylvania schools. The Local Food Purchasing Incentive Grant Program will provide funding to school food authorities to buy local foods, with grant amounts ranging from $16,500 to $650,000 based on student enrollment. Schools can use these grants to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and other minimally processed food products, with a preference given to applicants sourcing from veteran or new farmers. The Keystone Producer Grant Program will provide funding to farms and food hubs to help them participate in school food markets, while the Keystone Assistance Grant Program will offer technical assistance and equipment grants to help schools incorporate local foods into their meal programs. The bill also establishes a Keystone Fresh Farm to School Account to fund these programs, requires biennial external evaluations of the program's effectiveness, and mandates the creation of a farm-to-school website to provide resources for schools, farmers, and community members. The goal is to increase local food purchasing in schools, support Pennsylvania agricultural producers, and provide economic and nutritional benefits to communities across the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1768