Senate Bill S7525

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S7525

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to the reimbursement of schools for purchasing New York farm
products

 PURPOSE :

This bill creates an additional reimbursements to schools that choose
to purchase farm products of New York.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1- Amends Section 16 of the Agriculture and Markets Law to
create an additional reimbursement for school districts that choose to
purchase New York farm products. For schools that purchase at least
10% New York farm products, purchases will be reimbursed at an
additional five cents per meal. For schools that purchase at least 15%
New York farm products, purchases will be reimbursed at an additional
10 cents per meal. For schools that purchase at least 25% New York
farm products, purchases will be reimbursed at an additional
twenty-five cents per meal. The commissioner of Agriculture and
Markets will be required to provide schools with a list of approved
New York farm product vendors. Participating schools will need to
report to the Commissioner their percentage of New York farm products
in order to receive reimbursement .
              

Section 2 - Effective Date - Immediately

 EXISTING LAW :

Under the current law, the Commissioner of Education and Commissioner
of Agriculture and Markets work together to promote and facilitate
farm products in schools. The commissioners are required to reach out
to schools to access their desire and needs for local farm products.
Additionally, the commissioners must promote and coordinate with farms
to increase access to schools.

 JUSTIFICATION :

The bill provides a mechanism through which schools can affordably
access farm products produced and grown locally. Local products often
cost more than wholesale products, in order to cover these costs and
encourage school districts to look locally when providing meals to
students, a higher meal reimbursement rate will be provided to
participating school districts. Additionally, the bill helps to
support local farmers and creates access point for New York
agricultural products to get to students. Lastly, students will have
increased access to local food products which will translate into
better eating habits and life-long health.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New Bill

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

TBD

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately