At Frog Hollow Farm, we believe that fresh, locally grown food should be at the heart of every school meal, and Assembly Bill 1731—the California Healthy Food Procurement Fund Program— brings us closer to making that vision a reality. We’re proud to support this effort to better connect California farmers with local schools and expand access to fresh, nourishing food for students across the state.
Introduced by Assemblymember Lori Wilson and made possible through the sponsorship and advocacy of CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), AB 1731 is all about creating stronger connections between California farms and school cafeterias. The bill proposes a dedicated fund through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and an easier, more direct pathway for schools to source from local farmers and regional food hubs. The result is a win across the board: supporting farmers, strengthening local economies, and bringing more fresh, minimally processed food to students.
Our support for this work is deeply rooted in our involvement with school food and experience with school food organizations like Conscious Kitchen. We’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes when students are offered fresh, organic fruit, and the excitement that comes with it. At the same time, we understand the real challenges schools face in sourcing that food, and the barriers farmers encounter when trying to access institutional markets. AB 1731 helps bridge that gap, creating a more connected and functional system for everyone involved.
Momentum in Sacramento
Two weeks ago, Farmer Al and the Frog Hollow team joined CCOF in Sacramento to advocate for AB 1731 before the Assembly Agriculture Committee. We were incredibly encouraged to see the bill pass with a unanimous, bipartisan vote—a powerful sign of shared commitment to improving California’s food system.
As Al shared during his testimony, “This program is about building a system that actually works for farmers.” That idea is at the heart of AB 1731, creating more realistic opportunities for farms like ours to participate in the school food system, while helping schools access the kind of fresh food their students deserve.
The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where its costs will be evaluated. Sponsors are actively meeting with legislators to make the case for the state's financial investment. If it passes committee, the bill will move to the Assembly Floor, and then the entire process begins again in the Senate before it can reach the Governor's desk.
While there’s still work ahead, we’re energized by the momentum and the growing recognition that investing in local food systems benefits everyone, from farmers to students to entire communities.
We’re honored to be part of this movement and grateful to Assemblymember Lori Wilson for her leadership, as well as to CCOF and the many advocates who have helped bring this bill forward.