We are excited to share that CCOF-sponsored AB 1731, the California Healthy Food Procurement Fund Program, passed the Senate Agriculture Committee last week with a unanimous, bipartisan 5–0 vote.
CCOF member Lael Gerhart, Partnerships & Engagement at Frog Hollow Farm, and Kat Soltanmorad, Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Tahoe Truckee Unified School District and Board Member of the Tahoe Food Hub, traveled to Sacramento to testify before the Senate Agriculture Committee in support of AB 1731. Together, they illustrated how stronger connections between California farms and schools can benefit both students and farmers.
Lael shared that when students bite into a ripe Frog Hollow peach for the first time, they’re excited to eat fresh, flavorful fruit. School nutrition directors have also told Frog Hollow Farm that when they serve locally grown organic fruit, students eat more of it—reducing food waste while making the most of limited school meal dollars.
Committee members echoed the importance of creating stronger pathways between California farms and public institutions. Chair Senator Caballero and Vice Chair Senator Alvarado-Gil emphasized the value of helping schools purchase food from local farms while recognizing the challenges farmers face in bringing perishable crops to market. Members also underscored that if California wants to keep agriculture thriving, farmers need reliable market opportunities and access to markets.
AB 1731 now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 26, the bill’s final committee before heading to the Senate floor.
Thank you to Lael, Kat, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, and the many CCOF members and partners whose advocacy continues to move this legislation forward.
More than 170 farms, ranches, businesses, schools, and partners have already signed on in support of AB 1731. If you haven’t yet added your name, we’d love to have your support. Every additional sign-on helps demonstrate to the California Legislature the importance of farm to school!
Add your name to our sign-on letter by clicking here.
Please feel free to contact CCOF Policy Manager Laetitia Benador, with any questions or to get involved.
