HOWELL’S SENATE BILL 5 ACHIEVES FINAL PASSAGE

HOWELL’S SENATE BILL 5 ACHIEVES FINAL PASSAGE 

Bill makes it easier to source Kentucky-grown food for schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 24, 2026) — The Senate concurred with minor changes to Senate Bill (SB) 5, sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today. The bill will now be delivered to the governor for signature.

SB 5 removes barriers that have made it difficult for Kentucky schools to purchase locally grown agricultural products, helping connect students with fresh food while supporting in-state farmers.

The legislation builds on the “Food is Medicine” initiative launched by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, which promotes the use of fresh, locally sourced food to improve health outcomes and reduce long-term health care costs. The initiative has focused on increasing access to nutritious food in schools, hospitals and high-need communities across the commonwealth.

“SB 5 cuts red tape so our schools can more easily put Kentucky-grown food on the menu and partner directly with local farmers,” Howell said. “With many students relying on school meals for a significant share of their daily nutrition, improving quality is essential to their health and success. This legislation also strengthens training and certification for food service directors, helping ensure high standards and strong nutrition practices in every school.”

SB 5 earned broad support from Kentucky’s agricultural communities. In addition to Commissioner Shell, Kentucky Farm Bureau is also supportive of the measure.

"SB 5 is a win for both our students and our local farmers,” said Rep. Myron Dossett, R-Pembroke, who carried SB 5 in the House. “By giving schools more flexibility to buy Kentucky-grown food, we’re putting fresh, healthy meals on our students’ plates while supporting the farmers who grow it right here at home."

The only revision to the bill from the House was the addition of an emergency clause, meaning the bill will become law effective immediately upon its filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.