An act relating to expanding eligibility under the local foods grant program

This bill expands the Local Foods Grant Program in Vermont to allow more types of activities and equipment to be funded for farm-to-school initiatives. It directly affects schools, school districts, child care providers, and organizations that develop farm-to-school programs by broadening what they can apply for. Key provisions include funding for educational materials, gardening supplies, cooking equipment, professional development, and technical assistance to help increase local food use in school nutrition programs. The bill also establishes priority considerations for schools making progress toward wellness policy guidelines and allows certain merged school districts to receive larger grants for expanding programs to additional schools. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2024.