This week, the USDA announced another round of cuts to its farm-to-school programs, while school nutrition bills were signed into law in Virginia, West Virginia, and Illinois.
Here’s the most recent school nutrition legislation..
USDA announces new cuts to farm-to-school aid
The USDA has informed state agencies that it will no longer provide $5 million in farm-to-school grant funding through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program. Politico first reported the news, which was also shared in the SNA’s Tuesday Morning newsletter.
The USDA has canceled its fiscal year 2025 application reviews for the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. In its newsletter, the SNA stated that it was “investigating the implications of this funding cut” and would keep readers updated.
Established in 2013, the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program provides funding to school nutrition operators and other organizations to support their farm-to-school initiatives. The department awarded a record-breaking $14.3 million in farm-to-school grant funding through the Patrick Leahy program last summer.
The USDA closed its Local Foods for Schools (LFS) program earlier this month, prompting this announcement.
West Virginia and Virginia sign school additives bills into law
West Virginia and Virginia are the latest states to pass legislation prohibiting specific additives from school meals. In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed HB 1910, prohibiting the use of Blue Dye No. 1, Red Dye No. 3, and other color additives in school meals starting July 2027.
In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrissey signed HB 2354, prohibiting the use of seven food dyes in school meals, including Red Dye No.3 and Green Dye No.3. The law goes into effect on August 1.
The states join California in prohibiting certain additives from being included in school meals. California law prohibits Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, and Yellow Dye No. 6, among others. It is scheduled to go into effect by the end of 2027.
Other states are currently considering legislation to prohibit certain additives in school meals.
Texas lawmakers introduced HB 1290 in November to ban certain ingredients from free or reduced-price school meals, including brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, butylated hydroxyanisole, and titanium dioxide.
Additionally, similar bills have been introduced in Arizona and New York.
Kosher and halal meals coming to Illinois schools
Students in Illinois will now be able to enjoy kosher and halal food options at school.
Illinois Governor Pritzker has signed SB 157, requiring schools to offer kosher and halal meals. The law requires the State Board of Education to establish a statewide master contract with a vendor and grant school districts access to it, allowing them to offer kosher and halal options.The bill is effective immediately.
“No student should have to watch their classmates eat a school-provided lunch and be left out because there is not an option that meets their needs,” said Senator Ram Vilivalam, who sponsored the bill. “This new law ensures everyone has access to food that respects and dignifies their dietary restrictions.”
