Bill > HB66

This bill amends Delaware's Free School Meals Program to expand free breakfast and lunch access for all public school students, regardless of household income. The legislation builds upon a previous bill that only provided free meals to students eligible for reduced-price meals. Under the new provisions, public schools participating in the federal School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program must offer free breakfast and lunch to all attending students, with a limit of one free meal per meal service period. The bill updates definitions to include precise federal regulatory references for breakfast and lunch, and requires the Department of Education to reimburse participating schools by calculating the difference between federal free meal reimbursement rates and existing program reimbursements. The bill's implementation is contingent upon the Controller General confirming that funds have been appropriated, and it aims to reduce childhood hunger, eliminate meal-related stigma, and support students' nutritional needs. This change follows observations from other states that universal free meal programs provide significant benefits, including improved student participation, reduced hunger, and easier administration for families.

Education

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141913