Bill > HB125

This bill amends Delaware's Free School Meals Program to expand free breakfast and lunch access to all public school students, regardless of household income. The legislation builds upon a previous law that only provided free meals to students eligible for reduced-price meals. Under the new bill, public schools participating in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program must offer free breakfast and lunch to all attending students. Students are limited to one free meal per meal service period. The Department of Education will reimburse participating public schools by calculating the difference between the federal free reimbursement rate and the total federal reimbursement received for eligible meals. The bill's context includes references to benefits observed in other states that have implemented similar universal free meal programs, such as reducing childhood hunger, eliminating meal-related stigma, and supporting academic achievement. The legislation will take effect 30 days after funds are appropriated for its implementation, as determined by the Controller General.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141925