SENATE BILL 385

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics

AN ACT

RELATING TO NUTRITIONAL SERVICES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS; REQUIRING THE ADOPTION OF RULES THAT ALLOW PARTICIPANTS IN NUTRITIONAL SERVICES PROGRAMS TO GROW AND CONSUME FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AS PART OF THOSE PROGRAMS.

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

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GARDENS AT SENIOR CITIZEN FACILITIES.--

          A. No later than September 1, 2017, the aging and long-term services department shall adopt rules that allow for participants in its nutritional services programs to grow and consume fruits and vegetables at senior citizen facilities that are subject to the department's authority.

          B. 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) both conventional and organic growing methods; and

                (6) 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.

- 2 -