Farm to School Act of 2025
Summary
The Farm to School Act of 2025 aims to reauthorize and amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act's farm to school program. It focuses on enhancing access to local foods for eligible institutions, including schools and land-grant colleges. The bill seeks to improve local food procurement and distribution, provide technical assistance, and prioritize projects benefiting Tribal communities.
Expected Effects
The act will likely increase the availability of locally sourced foods in schools and other institutions. It also expands the scope of eligible institutions and activities supported by the program. This could lead to healthier meals for students and increased support for local agricultural producers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to fresh, local foods for students.
- Support for local farmers, ranchers, and fishers.
- Enhanced educational activities related to agriculture and nutrition.
- Improved food procurement and distribution options.
- Prioritization of projects serving Tribal communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative costs associated with implementing the program.
- Possible challenges in meeting the matching requirement for some institutions, although waivers are allowed.
- Risk that some grant funds may not be used effectively.
- Limited impact on national food security due to the program's focus on local procurement.
- Potential for increased food costs if local options are more expensive.
Constitutional Alignment
The Farm to School Act of 2025 aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to tax and spend to provide for the general welfare of the United States. This act falls under that power as it aims to improve nutrition and support local agriculture through federal funding.
Furthermore, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights or liberties guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments. It operates within the established framework of federal programs aimed at supporting education and nutrition.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).