Bill > S2320

This bill establishes a statewide universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools. The bill directs public educational entities to seek to maximize access to federal funds for the cost of the school breakfast and lunch program by participating in identified federal programs, such as the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the Community Eligibility Provision, or other federal provisions that draw down the most possible federal funding. The bill also requires public educational entities to seek to improve meal quality by complying with state-specific nutrition requirements, purchasing locally grown/produced food items, preparing scratch-cooked foods, and providing culturally relevant meals. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will reimburse the public educational entities for the difference between the federal free reimbursement rate and the federal reimbursement rate received for each school breakfast and lunch served. The bill also includes appropriations for the program and a dedicated position at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to aid in the administration and implementation of the program.

Budget and Finance

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