Bill > HB2796

This bill codifies guidelines for nutritionally adequate school breakfasts and lunches in West Virginia by defining specific standards and establishing requirements for school nutrition programs. The bill defines "nutritionally adequate breakfast" and "nutritionally adequate lunch" based on the most current federal School Breakfast and National School Lunch Program meal patterns, and requires county boards of education to establish nutrition programs that provide these meals to all enrolled students. The legislation mandates adherence to State Board of Education and USDA standards, and introduces provisions to limit added sugar and sodium in school meals. If federal guidelines allow more added sugar or sodium than recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the State Department of Education must convene representatives to develop grade-level specific recommendations for maximum daily added sugar and sodium intake, with an emphasis on prioritizing nutritionally dense foods. The bill also continues the Feed to Achieve initiative to provide free meals to elementary students, requires schools to adopt approved breakfast delivery systems, and mandates annual reporting on the program's impacts. Notably, the bill ensures that classroom teachers cannot be required to participate in school breakfast program operations and provides flexibility for county boards to continue nutrition programs even if federal funding is terminated.