Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2420

Introduced
6/13/24  
Refer
6/13/24  
Refer
6/25/24  
Report Pass
6/28/24  
Refer
6/28/24  
Report Pass
7/1/24  
Engrossed
7/1/24  

Caption

Establishing the Keystone Fresh Program; providing for the Fresh Schools Grant Program, for the Keystone Producer Grant Program, for the Keystone Assistance Grant Program and for the administration of the Keystone Fresh Program by the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture; and establishing the Keystone Fresh Fund.

Impact

The implementation of HB2420 is anticipated to create a robust framework for increasing the presence of locally sourced foods in school menus. It plans to allocate substantial funding for grants aimed at school districts, which can utilize these funds for purchasing a variety of agricultural products grown in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, the bill sets clear eligibility criteria for applicants and grants, ensuring funding is directed toward entities that also promote sustainable agriculture practices, including veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers. This could potentially reshape food procurement practices in educational institutions throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 2420, known as the Keystone Fresh Program, aims to enhance local food procurement within Pennsylvania schools by establishing grant programs that facilitate the purchase of local agricultural products for school meals. With the intention of improving child nutrition and supporting local farmers, the bill is a significant step toward strengthening the farm-to-school movement in the state. The key features include a Fresh Schools Grant Program to reimburse school food authorities for local food purchases, alongside support programs for producers and assistance in incorporating local foods into meal programs. This initiative recognizes the substantial market potential of Pennsylvania schools, which serve over 157 million lunches annually.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB2420 is generally positive, particularly among supporters who advocate for improved child nutrition and local economic development. Proponents argue that by integrating more local foods into school meals, students will have healthier options and be more inclined to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. However, there could be some contention among stakeholders regarding the feasibility of sourcing adequate local products consistently and the potential impact on food costs and logistics for school districts.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding the bill may arise from its implications for existing school food procurement practices. While it aims to foster local food systems, challenges in execution could lead to disparities in food availability and costs. Critics may raise concerns over the potential burden placed on schools to manage these changes, alongside apprehensions about whether the local food supply can meet the scaled demand without disrupting school meal programs. Additionally, the bill’s success will heavily depend on effective training and technical assistance initiatives for schools to make the transition seamlessly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB577

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB1263

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA SB728

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Program Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department and the Department of Labor and Industry, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA SB1056

In Treasury Department, further providing for investment of moneys; establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation; and providing for the electric vehicle road user charge effective date.

PA HB2028

In Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program, further providing for Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program; and, in disability inclusive curriculum, further providing for department responsibilities.

PA HB891

Providing for Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit; establishing the Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.

PA HB1600

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1267

In tuition account program, further providing for declaration of policy, for definitions, for Tuition Account Programs Bureau, for powers of department, for Tuition Account Guaranteed Savings Program, for Tuition Account Investment Program, for general provisions governing both tuition account programs and for Federal taxation; establishing the Keystone Scholars Grant Program and the Keystone Scholars Grant Program Account; and making a repeal.

PA HB204

Establishing the Keystone Solvency Operating Study Commission and providing for its powers and duties and for a report.

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