Bill > HB2341

This bill requires certain public schools in Missouri to offer "breakfast after the bell" starting in the 2026-27 school year, which means serving food after the instructional day has begun but before lunch. Specifically, public schools (including charter schools) where 70% or more of students were eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the previous year must provide this service. Schools can choose their preferred service model, such as breakfast in the classroom, after first period, or a pick-up option. The bill exempts schools where 70% of eligible students already participate in the School Breakfast Program. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must notify affected schools, develop implementation guidelines, offer technical assistance, collect data on breakfast delivery models, and submit annual reports to the legislature. The requirement is contingent on maintaining current federal meal reimbursement levels; if federal per-meal reimbursements decrease below 2026 levels or are eliminated, the mandate will be suspended. Schools initially required to offer breakfast after the bell must continue doing so for two consecutive years even if they later fall below the 70% threshold, and the bill encourages schools to collaborate with nonprofit organizations to improve student access to school breakfast programs.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2341&year=2026&code=R