NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A3914
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Menu
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3914

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Directs Department of Agriculture to establish "NJ Whole Food" pilot program; appropriates $1,000,000.

Impact

The bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture will not only establish the program but also develop a method for measuring its effectiveness on health, learning outcomes, and fiscal impacts for the participating school districts. This reflective reporting is crucial as it will provide insights into whether the introduction of whole foods in school meals results in tangible benefits, such as improved student health and cost savings for schools. The outcomes of this two-year pilot will inform future legislative decisions regarding the potential permanence of the program.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3914 proposes the establishment of a pilot program known as the 'NJ Whole Food' program, which aims to increase the consumption of whole foods in school cafeterias across New Jersey. This initiative will involve the Department of Agriculture, which is tasked with identifying at least three school districts or charter schools that would participate in the program. The bill allocates $1,000,000 for the implementation of this program over a pilot period of two consecutive school years. Utilizing whole foods, which are defined as minimally processed or refined foods free from added sugars and artificial substances, this program seeks to enhance the nutritional standards of school meals.

Contention

While the bill appears to center around public health and nutrition, discussions surrounding its implementation could include debates over funding, logistical considerations regarding food sourcing, and vendor selection. Ensuring equitable access to wholesome food options may also lead to discussions on disparities among different school districts. Critics might question the fiscal accountability and sustainability of such a program, particularly in light of budget priorities and ongoing education funding challenges.

Latest NJ A3914 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2026-2027 Regular Session A3914

Companion Bills

NJ A1472

Carry Over Directs Department of Agriculture to establish "NJ Whole Food" pilot program; appropriates $1,000,000.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.