Bill > S0452

This bill establishes a statewide "Healthy School Meals for All" universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools, phased in over three years. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, all public elementary schools will be required to provide free meals, expanding to elementary and middle schools in 2027-2028, and then to all K-12 students by 2028-2029. The program aims to address student hunger, improve learning outcomes, and reduce diet-related health issues by ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals. Schools will be required to maximize federal funding participation through programs like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and seek to improve meal quality by purchasing locally-grown food, preparing scratch-cooked meals, and offering culturally relevant options. The bill mandates that schools implement strategies to increase student participation, such as providing grab-and-go breakfast options and classroom meal service. The state will reimburse schools for the difference between federal reimbursement rates and the actual cost of meals, and the General Assembly will appropriate funds to support the program's implementation, including funding for a dedicated administrator at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The legislation is based on findings that diet-related chronic diseases are a leading cause of death, and that school meals can significantly improve students' health and academic performance.

Budget and Finance

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