Bill > HB441

This bill requires the State Board of Education to annually determine the necessary state funds to provide healthy school breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students, ensuring that meals are offered at no cost to students who qualify for reduced-price meals under federal and state guidelines, with funding sources to be identified to cover these costs. The State Board of Education will also establish rules for these programs, including nutritional standards that meet or exceed federal requirements, uniform methods for determining eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, and encouraging the use of Mississippi-grown products. The bill amends existing laws to align with these provisions, including requiring school districts with a certain percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch to offer breakfast programs and ensuring charter schools automatically qualify for funding to provide free meals to eligible students. This legislation aims to maximize student participation in school meal programs and ensure all students receive quality, healthy meals, taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0441.xml