Texas House Bill HB3290

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to creating a farm to school community connections pilot program.

Impact

The implementation of HB3290 is expected to improve the nutritional quality of school lunches while simultaneously supporting local farmers. By incentivizing school districts to source foods from in-state producers, the bill not only aims to enhance food security amongst students but also stimulates local agriculture and the economy. The introduction of fresh produce into school meals could contribute positively to students' overall health and learning by promoting healthier eating habits from a young age.

Summary

House Bill 3290 aims to establish a Farm to School Community Connections Pilot Program in Texas. The bill authorizes the state's Department of Agriculture to develop and implement this program, which will allocate $5 million in grant funding to school districts. The funding is intended to promote awareness and increase access to fresh produce for students, encouraging schools to procure ingredients directly from local farms. This financial support is designed to be a per-lunch reimbursement model, with districts able to receive $0.15 for each lunch utilizing fresh, minimally processed ingredients sourced locally, and potential additional funds for delivery costs.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on improving student nutrition and local economic support, it may face some challenges regarding the allocation of funds and the program's longevity. Key points of contention could arise around the $5 million grant limit and whether this funding will be sufficient to stimulate meaningful changes in all participating school districts. Additionally, the bill's sunset provision sets an expiration date for the program in 2017, which can raise concerns about the sustainability of the initiatives it seeks to promote.