Bill > LD776

This bill amends existing Maine school food service laws to extend free lunch provisions to special purpose private schools that receive publicly funded students. Specifically, the bill requires these schools to provide free lunches to eligible students if they participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and enroll at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous year's October and April enrollment averages. The state will provide funding to cover the difference between federal reimbursements and the cost of lunches for students eligible for reduced-price meals and those ineligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill ensures that students at these special purpose private schools receive meals that meet federal National School Lunch Program requirements at no cost, mirroring existing provisions for public schools and private schools approved for tuition purposes. The goal appears to be creating equity in school lunch access for students attending special purpose private schools that serve a significant number of publicly funded students.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=776&snum=132