Bill > HR1720

This bill, the Local School Foods Act of 2013, amends existing law to allow up to five states to participate in a pilot program where they can choose to receive a grant from the Secretary of Agriculture instead of the usual USDA-provided food commodities for fiscal years 2014 through 2018. These grant funds must be used by the participating states to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for schools and other institutions that are part of federal food service programs, such as those under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, with a preference for locally grown produce. The bill also outlines requirements for states and participating institutions to report on their purchases and the program's success.