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Pennsylvania House Bill HB1768
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
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Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1768

Introduced
8/4/25  
Refer
8/4/25  
Refer
11/19/25  
Report Pass
12/16/25  
Engrossed
12/16/25  

Caption

Establishing the Local Food Purchasing Incentive Grant Program, the Keystone Producer Grant Program, the Keystone Assistance Grant Program and the Keystone Fresh Farm to School Account; and imposing duties on the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1768 is anticipated to significantly impact Pennsylvania's agricultural sector by creating a direct market for local food producers within the school system, which serves over 168 million lunches annually. The bill underscores the importance of local food in enhancing public health while also fostering economic development within the community. It includes provisions for grants to schools, enabling them to purchase local foods and incorporate these into their meal offerings, thus promoting stronger ties between schools and local farmers.

Summary

House Bill 1768, known as the Keystone Fresh Farm to School Nutrition Act, aims to establish multiple grant programs designed to enhance local food purchasing in Pennsylvania schools. The bill proposes the Local Food Purchasing Incentive Grant Program, the Keystone Producer Grant Program, and the Keystone Assistance Grant Program, alongside the Keystone Fresh Farm to School Account. These initiatives focus on improving school food procurement practices by encouraging the integration of locally sourced foods into school meals, thus supporting local agricultural producers and enhancing students' nutritional options.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding HB 1768 has generally been positive with a strong backing from various stakeholders, including school administrators, local farmers, and nutrition advocates. Supporters believe that the bill is a pivotal step towards advancing childhood nutrition and empowerment of local agricultural markets. However, there are concerns among some segments regarding the feasibility of implementing these programs effectively, as well as challenges linked to the administrative processes involved in grant applications and reporting.

Contention

Notable points of contention include fears about the adequacy of funding and resources to sustain the programs as detailed in the bill. Critics argue that without sufficient oversight and funding, the intended benefits of the grant programs may not materialize effectively. Additionally, there are concerns about the administrative burden placed on school food authorities to comply with the grant requirements, which some feel could detract from the main objective of optimizing school meal quality and accessibility.

Latest PA HB1768 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1768

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1069

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Program Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department and the Department of Labor and Industry, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB1263

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB891

Providing for Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit; establishing the Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.

PA HB2436

In certification of teachers, further providing for State certificate fee reduction; and, in Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program, further providing for Keystone Telepresence Education Grant Program.

PA HB1600

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1799

In tuition account programs, further providing for declaration of policy, for definitions, for Tuition Account Programs Bureau, for powers of department, for Tuition Account Guaranteed Savings Program, for Tuition Account Investment Program, for general provisions governing both tuition account programs and for Federal taxation; establishing the Keystone Scholars Grant Program and the Keystone Scholars Grant Program Account; and making a repeal.

PA HB1539

Establishing the Electric School Bus Grant Program and the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Education.

PA SB1052

Establishing the Grandfamily Assistance Program and the Grandfamily Assistance Program Fund; providing for grants to area agencies on aging; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Aging.

PA SB569

Establishing the Snow and Ice Removal Safety Grant Program and the Snow and Ice Removal Safety Grant Program Account; and imposing duties on the Department of Transportation.

PA HB1528

Establishing the Grand-family Assistance Program; providing for payments to area agencies on aging; imposing duties on the Department of Aging; and establishing the Grand-family Assistance Program Fund.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.