H.R. 5234: Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025

The Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025 aims to enhance the procurement of unprocessed fruits and vegetables grown domestically for use in school meal programs. The main provisions of the bill include:

Establishment of a Program

The bill proposes the creation of a formal program that focuses on buying unprocessed fruits and vegetables that are grown within the United States, replacing a previous pilot project model. This program will emphasize supporting local farmers and enhancing the quality of meals served in schools.

Funding Allocation

The bill specifies mandatory funding of $25 million per year from 2026 through 2030 to support the program. Out of this amount:

• $10 million annually will be allocated for administrative costs and technical assistance to help states implement the program.
• A minimum of $500,000 will be allocated to each participating state each fiscal year.
• Additionally, if fewer than 14 states participate in a given year, $1 million will be reserved for providing technical assistance to states that wish to join the program.

Support for Local Farmers

The program will prioritize states that demonstrate a commitment to supporting:

• Small, local, and socially disadvantaged farmers.
• Tribal agricultural producers and traditional food communities.
• Children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds in school meal programs.

Program Evaluation

The legislation requires an evaluation of the program's impact within two years of implementation. This evaluation will assess:

• The quantity and cost of the fruits and vegetables procured.
• The benefits to school food services.
• The economic impact on local agricultural producers.
• Barriers faced by producers and school food authorities in participation.
• Eligibility requirements for vendors.

A report summarizing these findings will be submitted to relevant congressional committees no later than four years after the bill is enacted.

Implementation and Administration

The program aims to streamline the process for states to become involved and offers assistance to ensure successful implementation, including guidance for vendors and school food authorities.

Goals of the Bill

The overarching goals of the Local School Foods Expansion Act are to:

• Improve the nutritional quality of school meals.
• Support domestic agriculture.
• Facilitate better access to healthy foods for students.

Relevant Companies

• SYD - This company may experience increased demand for locally sourced produce if schools implement the program successfully.
• SFM - As a retailer of fresh produce, this company could see a change in procurement strategies aligning with the bill’s focus on domestic products.