S3336

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that gives school districts greater flexibility in awarding food service contracts, moving away from the state's unique requirement to select vendors based solely on lowest price. Senate Print 3336, sponsored by Sen. Cooney, allows districts to consider factors including nutrition quality and food freshness when procuring school meals. The measure passed on a 61-0 roll call vote. Supporters said the bill addresses New York's status as the only state in the nation mandating lowest-price procurement for school food contracts, and argued that prioritizing nutrition improves student academic performance, test scores, graduation rates, behavior and attendance. Sen. May noted the legislation facilitates participation in Farm-to-School programs, benefiting local farmers and providing students access to fresh food at a time when the federal government is cutting $1 billion from such programs. The bill takes effect immediately.