Relates to instruction in food, agriculture and nutrition in elementary and high school

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Didi Barrett and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of Bill A 604: Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Instruction in Schools Main Purpose and IntentThe primary purpose of Bill A 604 is to mandate the inclusion of instruction in

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 604 is to mandate the inclusion of instruction in food, agriculture, and nutrition in the curriculum of elementary and high schools across the state. The bill aims to educate students about the origins of their food, sustainable agricultural practices, and the importance of nutrition for health and wellbeing.

Key Provisions

Requires all elementary and secondary schools to incorporate a minimum number of hours of instruction on food, agriculture, and nutrition into their curricula. The specific hourly requirements would be determined by the state Department of Education.

Directs the Department of Education to develop statewide standards and learning objectives for this instructional content, ensuring consistency across school districts.

Provides funding to school districts to support the development and implementation of these new instructional programs, including teacher training and procurement of relevant educational materials.

Mandates that the curriculum include hands-on learning opportunities, such as school gardens, field trips to local farms, and cooking demonstrations.

Calls for the establishment of an advisory council to guide the Department of Education on the development and ongoing improvement of the food, agriculture, and nutrition curriculum.

Affected Parties

Elementary and secondary school students, who will receive this new instructional content as part of their education

Public school districts and teachers, who will be required to implement the new curriculum and teaching methods

The state Department of Education, which will be responsible for developing standards, allocating funding, and overseeing the program

Local agricultural producers and food industry stakeholders, who may be involved in providing educational resources and experiential learning opportunities for students

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill was introduced in the state legislature on January 9, 2024 and has been referred to the Education committee for consideration.

If passed, the Department of Education would have one year to develop the statewide standards and curriculum before the new instructional requirements take effect in the following school year.

The advisory council would be convened within six months of the bill's enactment to begin the process of curriculum development and implementation planning.

School districts would have two years to fully integrate the new food, agriculture, and nutrition curriculum into their elementary and secondary school programs.