OH HB68

Creates the healthy farms and healthy schools grant program administered by the director of agriculture to provide grants to schools with kindergarten programs for nutrition and agricultural education.

Grants may fund nutrition education integrated into curriculum focusing on Ohio-grown foods, teacher training, farm field trips, and purchase of locally produced agricultural products.

Individual schools receive maximum grants of $15,000 per school year, covering no more than 75% of program costs with schools providing at least 25% in matching funds.

Director evaluates applications annually based on applicant capacity, program potential to increase nutrition and agriculture knowledge, ability to source local foods, and preference given to schools with high percentages of students eligible for free lunches.

Establishes the healthy farms and healthy schools grant fund in the state treasury to be appropriated by the general assembly and used to make grants and administer the program.