Kentucky schools can now more easily purchase local farm products for their meal programs following the passage of Senate Bill 5, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell announced on March 27.
The change is intended to increase the amount of Kentucky-grown produce in school meals, which supporters say will improve student nutrition and support local farmers. The bill gives school districts participating in United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition programs greater flexibility to buy agricultural products grown in Kentucky without being subject to certain state competitive bidding laws, while still complying with federal requirements.
“Studies show farm produce from a local source has more nutrients than those that have to be shipped longer distances,” Shell said. “Healthier, more nutrient dense meals make for a child that is more focused, alert, and ready to learn. This bill helps achieve this by decreasing some of the challenges and barriers in prior procurements of local farm fresh foods.”
Senate Bill 5 was sponsored by Senator Jason Howell. During a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting earlier this year, Shell said the legislation would begin decentralizing the current procurement system so farmers could have better access to school markets. Under SB5, competitive bid requirements can be lifted for food purchases below $350,000 when buying Kentucky-grown agricultural products as part of USDA Child Nutrition Programs. However, other federal or local procurement rules still apply.
An emergency clause makes SB5 effective immediately once filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture operates as a state agency within Kentucky’s executive branch according to its official website. The department provides resources and programs across all counties in Kentucky according to its official website, using facilities in Frankfort for administrative purposes according to its official website. It aims to enhance the state’s agricultural economy through strategic partnerships and planning according to its official website, including grants for county fairs and projects according to its official website and educational initiatives celebrated during designated months according to its official website.
The department also strengthens agriculture through partnerships focused on farming regulation and food systems; it offers services such as animal health support, marketing assistance, consumer safeguards and grants for producers while serving all counties with resources and education according to its official website.
