Committee moves forward with bill to link California farms to school meals
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Summary
AB 17 31 would create a Healthy Food Procurement Fund and an approved‑vendor program to help schools buy from local farmers; farmers and school food directors said the measure reduces administrative barriers and supports small farms.
Assemblymember Wilson presented AB 17 31 to create a targeted procurement fund and an approved‑vendor system designed to connect California farms with school meal programs and reduce administrative burden that keeps small farmers out of public procurement.
"This bill will help address critical gaps in California's food‑safety and procurement systems by supporting farm viability and access to healthy school foods," the author said, adding that a state‑approved vendor framework and funding can make it feasible for schools to buy fresh, local produce without adding administrative costs to districts.
Farmers and school food directors described practical barriers the bill would address. Alper Shane of Frog Hollow Farm said small farms face onerous procurement processes and that creating an on‑ramp to school buying would allow nearby farms to sell directly to districts. Kat Soltanrod, a food and nutrition director at Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, said local procurement improves taste and reduces waste and that many small districts lack capacity to manage complex vendor onboarding.
Sponsors and local food‑system groups including California Certified Organic Farmers, the Tahoe Food Hub and others testified in support. Committee members praised the bill and several asked to be added as coauthors.
The committee voted to pass AB 17 31 to the Appropriations Committee, allowing more work on funding specifics and vendor program details.