Statement from Peter Finn, Teamster Food Processing Division Director and Teamsters Local 856 Secretary-Treasurer on the passing of SB 490 – The Buy American Food Act:

“The Teamsters Food Processing Division thanks Governor Gavin Newsom for signing SB 490 to strengthen Buy American requirements for school meals. Once again, California leads the nation and is setting the standard for Buy American requirements in other states and at the federal level. This bill protects good union jobs in food processing and agriculture while at the same time making sure our kids get the freshest, safest, most nutritious school meals.”

SB 490: The Buy American Food Act

Senate Bill 490 will improve the quality and safety of state-provided nutrition programs, protect California workers, and reward California’s agricultural industry by strengthening the 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.