TRENTON, N.J. – Legislation that would make it easier for New Jersey schools to obtain healthy, locally grown food for their students recently cleared the New Jersey General Assembly.
Bill A3742, sponsored by Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy, and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, would reimburse school districts for the cost of purchasing fresh food from New Jersey farms.
The bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program. The initiative would support school districts that choose to buy fruits, vegetables, herbs, legumes, grains, meat, and seafood from New Jersey farms by reimbursing them for eligible procurement costs. The legislation includes a $4.5 million appropriation to launch and sustain the program.
“This legislation helps our schools serve fresh, local food, and makes sure they can afford to do it,” said Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “We’re investing in student nutrition, food security, and the vitality of New Jersey’s agricultural economy all at once.”
While New Jersey has long supported farm-to-school programs, cost remains one of the primary barriers for school districts, especially those in under-resourced communities. A3742 addresses that barrier head-on by providing targeted, needs-based financial support.
“Every student deserves access to fresh, healthy food—no matter their zip code,” said McCoy (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “This bill helps ensure equity in our school meal programs while supporting the farmers who feed our state.”
Under the bill, the Department of Agriculture would manage the grant program and establish guidelines for eligible food purchases, ensuring that funds are used for truly local procurement. Priority would be given to school districts serving high-need populations or operating in areas with limited access to fresh food.
“By supporting local food procurement, we’re not only improving children’s health, but also strengthening our farming communities,” said Drulis (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “This program creates lasting partnerships that benefit families across New Jersey.”
