HB53 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Elaine Beech
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Schools, nutrition, federal funds, use for farm to school program for farm products, competitive bid exception based on federal small purchase threshold, Secs. 16-1-46, 16-13B-2 am'd.
Summary: The bill expands Alabama's Farm-To-School program to use federal funds for school nutrition under the federal simplified acquisition threshold and applies that threshold to bidding rules for local districts.
What This Bill Does
Allows federal funds for school nutrition to be used in the farm-to-school program up to the federal simplified acquisition threshold. The competitive bidding exemption for local boards of education would be equal to or less than that threshold. Creates formal collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Industries and the State Department of Education, including training for staff, promotion of local procurement, and a publicly searchable directory of Alabama farmers and suppliers. Requires efforts to include minority producers and coordinates funding to support farm-to-school procurement.

Who It Affects
Local boards of education and school food service directors: can use federal small-purchase rules up to the federal threshold for buying unprocessed farm products, reducing the need for full competitive bids.
Alabama farmers, processors, and suppliers (including minority producers): gain more opportunities to sell local products to schools, with a coordinated directory and support to participate.

Key Provisions
Amends 16-1-46 and 16-13B-2 to allow federal funds for school nutrition in farm-to-school purchases under the federal small-purchase threshold.
Defines unprocessed agricultural products and clarifies handling that does not change product character.
Creates MOUs between the Department of Agriculture and Industries and the State Department of Education to implement the act, including education on small purchases, staff training, and kitchen facility guidance.
Establishes a farm-to-school coordinator to connect local farmers and schools and to maintain a searchable directory of Alabama farm products.
Requires at least 10 percent of local suppliers used be minority producers and allows funds from federal/state/private sources to implement the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Agriculture