1. a. The Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Department of Education, shall coordinate with farmers in the State, the New Jersey Farm to School Network or its successor entity, public, private, and charter schools and their food services, and other interested and relevant organizations and groups, as determined by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education, to establish:

(1) an annual week of promotional events to be known as “Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week” to be celebrated each year throughout the State with the holding of relevant promotional events during the last week of September; and

(2) an annual week, during such week as may be designated by the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Department of Education, which shall be known as “New Jersey Agricultural Literacy Week,” to encourage classroom activities to be celebrated each year throughout the State by providing sample educational resources, including, but not limited to, resources that highlight how agricultural products provide the necessary ingredients for meals.

b. “Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week” shall highlight and promote the value and importance of New Jersey agriculture and fresh foods produced in New Jersey, and the value and importance of fresh farm foods for children, their general health, and their success in school. The promotional events shall be provided to:

(1) children through school breakfast, lunch, and snack programs and in the classroom;

(2) community groups, churches, and service organizations;

(3) the public at large at farms and community farmers markets; and

(4) other organizations or groups or at other locations in the State determined by the Department of Agriculture to be beneficial for the success of promoting the value and importance of New Jersey agriculture and fresh foods produced in New Jersey.

c. “New Jersey Agricultural Literacy Week” shall highlight, at a minimum, the importance of agriculture and how the agricultural products in the State provide the necessary ingredients for meals. The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Department of Education, shall make available sample educational resources for appropriate grade levels based on their connection to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

L.2011, c.10, s.1; 2023, c.51, s.1.