Bill > HB2238

This bill creates the "Hayes Act" to improve school meal access and support for students in Missouri. The act applies to public school districts, charter schools, and private or religious schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) but not using the Community Eligibility Provision. It requires schools to provide free lunches to students approved for reduced-price meals, with the state board of education reimbursing schools for the cost difference between the actual lunch price and federal reimbursement rates, subject to legislative appropriation. Schools must help parents apply for lunch assistance programs and are prohibited from stigmatizing students who may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill establishes a dedicated "School Meals Fund" in the state treasury, which will be managed by the state treasurer and used exclusively for school lunch reimbursements. The state board of education is tasked with creating implementation rules, ensuring transparency and compliance with existing state administrative procedures. The overall goal is to reduce financial barriers to school meals and protect students' dignity by preventing public identification of their meal assistance status.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2238&year=2026&code=R