By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow and Barren County schools are lauding the “significant advancement” made by the passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 5, which makes it easier for school districts to purchase locally grown food.
“SB 5 benefits both students and the local economy. It helps provide children with higher-quality nutrition that supports focus and learning, while directing school meal dollars back into Kentucky agriculture,” said Stacy Jessie, food service director at Glasgow Independent Schools. “We look forward to using the bill’s flexibility to make it easier to serve Kentucky-grown produce—improving student health and strengthening our local economy.”
Director of Barren County Schools Nutrition Services and Afterschool Programs CheyAnne Fant echoed Jessie’s comments, saying that the bill removes the “red tape” and helps districts “navigate the unpredictable nature of agriculture.”
“In Barren County, we are proud that approximately 14 [percent] of our total food expenditure is currently dedicated to local sourcing; however, existing regulatory hurdles often limit our ability to expand this impact,” Fant wrote in an email sent to Glasgow News 1. “We know the impact our purchases have on our local farmers, and this creates a win-win!”
The bill, which was signed by Governor Andy Beshear on March 27, lifts the state’s competitive bid requirement for districts seeking to award food purchases below $350,000.
“In some cases, the flexibility allows local farmers to compete with large conglomerates,” according to a Kentucky Department of Agriculture press release.
An emergency clause within the bill makes it effective immediately once filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office. The now-law received unanimous approval in both the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Legislative Research Commission.
Key Facts
• Glasgow Independent and Barren County schools praise Kentucky Senate Bill 5 as a “significant advancement” for local food purchasing
• SB 5 lifts state competitive bid requirements for school food buys under $350,000
• Glasgow food service director says the law improves student nutrition and keeps dollars in Kentucky agriculture
• Barren County’s nutrition director says about 14% of the district’s food budget already goes to local sourcing
• Officials say new flexibility will help local farmers better compete with large conglomerates
• Bill was signed by Gov. Andy Beshear on March 27 and took effect immediately under an emergency clause
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