Bill > HB873

This bill establishes the Missouri Free School Meals Program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in participating schools. Under the program, any school participating in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch Program must provide up to two free meals per day to students (one breakfast and one lunch). Schools with a lower identified student percentage will be required to participate, while schools with a higher percentage will use the USDA Community Eligibility Provision. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide state funding to cover the difference between the federal reimbursement rate and the actual federal reimbursement received by schools for each meal. To participate, schools must be part of the USDA School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs and offer meals at no cost to all students. The department is authorized to create rules to implement the program, with the legislation set to take effect after August 28, 2025. The bill aims to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals regardless of their family's economic status.

Education

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB873&year=2025&code=R