Bill > HR6065

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to reauthorize and expand the Farm to School Program (renamed the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program), which supports efforts to connect schools and local agricultural producers. The bill broadens the program's scope to include not just schools but various eligible institutions, and expands the definition of farm to school activities to include planting gardens, procuring local foods, and conducting educational activities about agriculture and nutrition. Key changes include increasing maximum grant amounts to $500,000 per recipient, allowing more flexible matching fund requirements, prioritizing projects that serve socially disadvantaged communities and Tribal organizations, and providing technical assistance to help agricultural producers participate. The bill also mandates a comprehensive review every three years to identify and eliminate regulatory barriers to farm to school programs, with a focus on small-scale producers, Tribal farmers, and local food procurement. Additionally, the bill increases authorized funding from $5 million to $10 million and extends the program's authorization from 2025 through 2030, while ensuring that no more than 5% of funds can be used for administrative costs.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6065/all-info