Bill > HB180

This bill establishes the Universal School Meal Program, which aims to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in Pennsylvania schools, regardless of household income, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The legislation eliminates previous restrictions and stigmatizing practices around school meal debt, prohibiting schools from actions such as denying meals, using collection agencies, applying penalties, filing legal action, or reporting families to child welfare agencies for unpaid meal costs. Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program will be required to provide one free meal per student per meal service period, with the goal of ensuring no child experiences hunger and that all students have the nutrition needed to succeed academically. The bill creates a Universal School Meal Fund in the State Treasury to reimburse schools, with funding potentially coming from various sources including state appropriations and federal funds. Schools will be expected to maximize federal reimbursement and will receive state support to cover the difference between federal free and paid meal reimbursement rates. The Department of Education will administer the program, develop guidance, and monitor implementation, with up to 3.5% of appropriated funds available for administrative purposes. The legislation represents a significant shift towards universal free school meals and eliminating meal-related financial barriers for students.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=180