Kentucky Senate Bill 5 Boosts Local Food in School Meals

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky schools will find it easier to incorporate locally produced food into student meals following the passage of Senate Bill 5 (SB5), according to Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell.

“Studies show farm produce from a local source has more nutrients than those that have to be shipped longer distances,” Commissioner Shell said.

“Healthier, more nutrient dense meals make for a child that is more focused, alert, and ready to learn. This bill helps achieve this by decreasing some of the challenges and barriers in prior procurements of local farm fresh foods.”

Sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, SB5 is designed to increase the use of Kentucky-grown agricultural products in school meal programs, improving both nutrition and support for local farmers.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Shell told the Senate Agriculture Committee that the legislation would begin to decentralize the existing school food procurement system. This change is intended to expand opportunities for local producers to supply schools directly.

The new law gives school districts participating in USDA Child Nutrition Programs more flexibility when purchasing in-state agricultural products.

While federal requirements remain in place, districts will now be able to bypass certain state competitive bidding rules when sourcing Kentucky-grown goods.

In some cases, schools can award contracts based on reasonable pricing informed by past purchases, experience, or other relevant factors, helping smaller farms compete with larger suppliers.

SB5 also raises the threshold for purchases that can be made without a competitive bid. Districts may procure local products valued at under $350,000 without going through the standard bidding process, provided the items are grown, raised, or produced within Kentucky.

An emergency clause ensures the law takes effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State, accelerating its impact on school nutrition programs and local agriculture.

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