Representative Burgos introduced House Bill 17‑68 to increase the presence of Pennsylvania-grown food in school meals and to connect students with local producers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to deliver economic opportunities to family farms while improving nutrition for students.

Chairman Mao offered amendment A02152, which, according to the amendment summary, retitles the bill the Keystone Fresh Farm to School Nutrition Act, updates program names and definitions to mirror USDA and Department of Education language, adds prioritization to ensure schools with the greatest need receive fresh food first, and changes required biannual reporting to both chairs of the House and Senate agriculture and education committees. The committee agreed to the amendment.

Several committee members praised the bill’s goals. Representative Kinkade described the measure as a tool to address food insecurity and raise meal quality; Representative Doherty and Representative Khan noted benefits for farms and student focus, respectively. Representative Parker said the approach aligns with ongoing local school efforts.

The committee voted to report House Bill 17‑68 as amended out of committee to the full House for further consideration.