Requires Local Food Buying Goals for State
Virginia · HB869 · Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Why it matters
State agencies and some public bodies would have to shift food buying toward Virginia-grown or Virginia-processed products. Local farms and food makers could gain new sales, while bids for other food could face more competition.
What it does
- State agencies would aim for 20% of food purchases to be local farm or food products by 2035
- Public bodies that get state money and spend over $25,000 a year on food would aim for 10% local by 2035
- Local bidders may win food contracts if their local-product bids cost no more than 10% extra
- State agencies must track local food shares and report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would require state agencies to make 20 percent of their food purchases local by 2035. Public bodies with state funding and food contracts over $25,000 a year would aim for 10 percent.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Farm groups would likely say the bill supports local farms and food businesses. They could gain steady sales from state and public buyers.
💬 The case against
Some food suppliers would likely say the bill raises costs for public buyers. They may also say bidders outside Virginia get a harder path to winning contracts.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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