Bill > S0074

This bill establishes a universal free school breakfast and lunch program for all public school students in grades K-12 in Florida. The legislation requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to create and operate the program, subject to legislative funding, and mandates that school districts provide eligible breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to all students. The bill defines several key terms, including "community eligibility provision" (a federal program that allows schools to receive special assistance payments for providing free meals) and "eligible breakfast and lunch meals" (meals meeting specific nutritional requirements). School districts must participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, maximize access to federal funds by using special assistance alternatives like the community eligibility provision, and submit meal service information to the department for reimbursement. The bill also requires districts to make breakfast accessible to students who arrive on late buses, use alternative meal service models, and provide parents with information about free meal availability. Additionally, districts are authorized to prepare meals at school sites or central locations, with meal distribution to satellite schools. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to ensure that all public school students in Florida have access to free, nutritious breakfast and lunch meals regardless of household income.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/74