Bill > HB998

This bill establishes the Missouri Free School Meals Program, which requires public schools, school districts, and charter schools participating in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch Program to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students. Schools with a lower percentage of identified students will be required to participate, while schools with a higher percentage will use the USDA Community Eligibility Provision. Each participating school must offer up to two free federally reimbursable meals per school day (one breakfast and one lunch) to all students at no cost. 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 the school for each meal. The department is also tasked with creating rules to implement the program, with the provision that any such rules must comply with existing state legislative review processes. The program is set to take effect after August 28, 2025, and aims to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals regardless of their family's economic status.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB998&year=2025&code=R