By News Reporter Gabby Cedano
Governor Beshear signed Senate Bill 5 into law on March 27,which means Kentucky schools will soon have more flexibility to serve locally grown food to students following the passage.
According to a news release from the Department of Agriculture, state leaders say the change is designed to improve both student nutrition and access for local farmers. Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell says produce sourced closer to home often contains more nutrients compared to food shipped long distances, which can help students stay focused and ready to learn.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Jason Howell, focuses on increasing the amount of Kentucky-grown products used in school meals. During discussions earlier this year, Shell told lawmakers the bill would shift how schools purchase food, making it easier for local farmers to compete.
Under the new law, school districts participating in federal child nutrition programs can bypass certain state bidding requirements when purchasing Kentucky-grown products. Instead, districts can use past pricing, purchase history and other factors to determine if a price is reasonable.
The change applies to food purchases under $350,000 and is limited to products grown, raised or produced within the state. Schools must still follow all federal procurement rules.
Supporters say the update removes long-standing barriers that made it difficult for smaller, local farms to supply schools, often putting them at a disadvantage compared to large distributors.
The law includes an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately after being filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State. State agriculture officials say districts interested in sourcing local food can reach out to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program for guidance.