Virginia House Bill HB963

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 2/5/24
• Engrossed: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

DOE; school board policy on excess food donation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 963 could have significant implications for state education policy related to food management and community service. By mandating a statewide survey and the creation of best practice guidelines, the bill seeks to standardize how schools handle excess food donations. This could improve collaboration between schools and local food assistance programs, potentially increasing the amount of food donated and aiding in reducing food waste. However, the effectiveness of the bill will depend on the active participation of school boards and their willingness to adopt the recommended practices.

Summary

House Bill 963 requires the Virginia Department of Education to survey school boards on their policies regarding the donation of excess food from public schools to local food banks or shelters. The bill aims to assess current practices and gather data on how these practices impact local communities. After the survey, the Department of Education is tasked with compiling findings into a guidance document to share resources and best practices with school boards. This initiative is intended to promote food donations and enhance awareness of food insecurity issues among school communities.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HB 963 may relate to the implementation of the bill and how the guidance document is received by different school boards. Concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of resources provided or the feasibility of establishing effective donation policies based on the survey results. Additionally, the bill's reliance on voluntary participation by school boards could lead to disparities in food donation practices across the state, raising questions about equity in access to food resources for all communities.