HB 70 Summary

• Establishes a farm-to-school program in the Department of Natural Resources to increase public school procurement and use of food grown in Alaska, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products.

• Requires the department to coordinate with schools, producers, and other stakeholders to develop uniform procurement policies, assist food producers in marketing to schools, and educate students about nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits of locally grown food.

• Authorizes school districts to operate school gardens, greenhouses, and farms for educational purposes and student meal programs, with requirements that students have learning opportunities in both organic and conventional growing methods.

• Requires biennial reporting to the legislature beginning January 25, 2011, on participating schools and farms and increases in procurement of state-grown food.

• Repeals all farm-to-school provisions on July 1, 2014.