OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1473

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1473

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/19/24  

Caption

Oklahoma Farm to School Program Act; establishing a farm to school grant program. Effective date.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to significantly bolster local agriculture by providing financial aid to farmers, thereby enabling them to expand their production capabilities. Additionally, school districts would receive funding to purchase locally grown products, which would not only contribute to a healthier diet for students but also support the local economy. The establishment of this farm to school grant program could facilitate a more sustainable food system within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1473 establishes a grant program under the Oklahoma Farm to School Program Act designed to enhance the incorporation of locally grown farm-fresh products into school meal programs. The legislation outlines the duties of the director of the Alabama Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, which includes collaborating with farmers to increase school districts' capacity for procuring local products. A significant aspect of the bill is its focus on improving school nutrition by directly linking agricultural producers with school food services.

Contention

While the bill mainly enjoys support for its potential to improve children's health and support local farmers, there may be some points of contention regarding how the grant funds are allocated and managed. Concerns could arise about the equitable distribution of resources among various school districts, especially those in underserved areas or those that already have limited access to local produce. Additionally, the effectiveness of the program in truly addressing nutritional needs and supporting local economies will be closely monitored as it moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB357

Schools; allowing the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf to receive redbud school grants. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2438

State government; Oklahoma Pregnant Pigs Pilot Program Act of 2023; revolving fund; grants; effective date.

OK SB66

State government; creating the Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Act of 2023. Effective date.

OK HB1342

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; providing program eligibility to home school students; effective date.

OK SB908

Oklahoma Accountancy Act; creating revolving fund; authorizing student scholarship and grant program. Effective date.

OK HB2796

Oklahoma Accountancy Act; creating revolving fund; authorizing student scholarship and grant program; effective date.

OK SB523

School security; making appropriation for Oklahoma School Security Grant Program; specifying use of funds. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1990

Scholarship programs; the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program; modifying program eligibility; effective date.

OK HB1844

Agriculture; Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1882

Schools; Oklahoma School Testing Program annual reports; prohibiting annual report from assigning grades to school sites and school districts; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.