Thursday, September 8, 2022

For Immediate Release

Contact: Elisa Rivera (209) 726-5495 or Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov

Senator Anna M. Caballero’s Bill to Strengthen, “Buy American” Policies for School Meal Purchases Passes Legislature

SB490 supports California farmers, workers and students by ensuring schools purchase American agricultural products for student meals

SACRAMENTO: Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) announced today that SB 490: The Buy American Food Act passed the legislative process and is now on its way to the Governor for a signature. Senate Bill 490 would improve the quality and safety of state-provided nutrition programs, protect California workers, and reward California’s agricultural industry by strengthening federal Buy American policy at the state level.

SB 490 requires that all public institutions that receive federal reimbursement to provide prepared meals include in their bids and contracts that they will only purchase agricultural products grown, packed, or processed in the U.S., unless the imported product is 25% or more less than the domestic product.

“Buy American reflects our values and how we spend our tax dollars. It supports local farmers, jobs, and the economy and ensures that our residents consume food of the highest quality and safety. SB 490 strengthens federal policy at the state level and ensures that our students receive quality, California-grown products in their school meals. Our children, our farmers and our workers are worth the investment.”–Senator Anna M Caballero (D-Merced)

“California’s agricultural community achieves exceptional standards to ensure food safety, reduce water use, boost energy efficiency, carefully manage pesticide use, protect the health of workers, provide fair and competitive wages and implement climate-friendly agricultural practices.  SB 490 supports California’s farmers and workers by ensuring taxpayer funds are used to procure food aligned with our strong environmental and labor standards.  As a sponsor of SB 490, Ag Council greatly appreciates Senator Caballero for authoring this measure and for her commitment and tenacity to ensure it passed the Legislature,” -Emily Rooney, president, Agricultural Council of California.

“The Teamsters have tens of thousands of members in food processing and dairy in California. Our members prepare and produce many of the products that stock grocery store shelves and are served in school cafeterias. Unionized food processing jobs provide good jobs and ensure products meet the highest quality and health and safety standards. SB 490 will protect jobs, communities, and the safety of the food our kids eat at school. We thank Senator Caballero for authoring this important Buy American bill.” -Peter Finn, Director, Teamsters Food Processing Division

For interviews or inquiries, please contact Elisa Rivera at (209) 726-5495 

Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 12^th Senate District, composed of Merced and San Benito Counties, the Salinas Valley, and portions of Fresno, Madera and Stanislaus Counties.

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