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FL H0477

FL H0477
Universal Free School Breakfast and Lunch Program


summary

Introduced
11/15/2023
In Committee
11/22/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/08/2024

Introduced Session

2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to a universal free school breakfast and lunch program; amending s. 595.402, F.S.; defining and redefining terms; amending s. 595.405, F.S.; requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, subject to the appropriation of funds by the Legislature, to establish and operate a program to provide universal free school breakfast and lunch meals to all public school students; specifying requirements for school districts; deleting provisions requiring school districts to implement and charge students for a breakfast program; deleting provisions requiring only certain school districts to implement a universal free school breakfast program and encouraging districts to provide free breakfast meals; revising the information that school districts are required to provide to parents regarding the availability of certain school meals, to conform to changes made by the act; authorizing school districts to operate free school meal programs using offsite food preparation locations; amending s. 595.404, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a universal free school breakfast and lunch program for all public school students in grades K-12 in Florida, subject to legislative appropriation. The bill defines key terms related to the program, such as "community eligibility provision" and "special assistance alternative," which are federal reimbursement methods that allow schools to serve free meals to all students. The bill requires school districts to participate in the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, provide reimbursable eligible breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to all students, and maximize federal funding for the programs. The bill also requires school districts to make breakfast available to students who arrive at school on the bus less than 15 minutes before the first bell and to provide annual information to parents about the availability of free school meals.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Died in Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee (on 03/08/2024)

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