SENATE BILL 84

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth "Liz” Stefanics and Gail Armstrong

 

 

 

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO NUTRITIONAL SERVICES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS; AUTHORIZING THE GROWING AND USE FOR FOOD SERVICE OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GARDENS AT SENIOR CENTERS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF RULES PERTAINING TO FOOD SAFETY.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] SENIOR CENTER FOOD GARDENS AUTHORIZED--ADMINISTRATION.--

          A. The aging and long-term services department shall permit any senior center, as defined in rules promulgated by the department, to coordinate the planting, cultivation, growing, tending and harvesting by senior center staff and senior participants of edible fruits and vegetables on the senior center's premises for inclusion in food service or distribution to senior participants.

          B. The aging and long-term services department shall authorize the building, maintenance and use of structures that extend the growing season of edible fruits and vegetables, including greenhouses and hoop houses, for the purposes outlined in Subsection A of this section.

          C. No later than September 1, 2019, the aging and long-term services department shall adopt rules that allow for food gardens as described in Subsections A and B of this section.

          D. The rules shall include and address:

                (1) applicable state and federal guidelines;

                (2) the avoidance of microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables grown at the senior citizen facilities;

                (3) the quality of water and types of fertilizer that can be used in gardens at the senior citizen facilities;

                (4) the types of fruits and vegetables that can be grown for consumption at the senior citizen facilities;

                (5) training for senior participants and staff regarding safe handling, cooking and preservation techniques;

                (6) both conventional and organic growing methods; and

                (7) other factors needed to ensure that good agricultural practices are used in the growing of fruits and vegetables at the senior citizen facilities and that the fruits and vegetables are safe for human consumption.

          E. For the purposes of this section, "senior participant" means an individual who is at least fifty years of age or older and who is otherwise eligible to receive services or to participate in programs administered by the aging and long-term services department or its designees.

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