Bill > HB3121

This bill establishes the "Missouri Free School Meals Program" to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students in participating schools, regardless of their income. Schools that opt into the program must first seek all available federal funding, such as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National School Lunch Program. The state will then provide additional funding to cover the difference between federal reimbursements and the actual cost of providing these meals. To support this program, the bill also creates a tax deduction for individuals and entities that donate to a dedicated "Healthy School Meals for All Fund," which will help reimburse schools for the free meals. This fund will be supported by proceeds from video lottery terminals and other donations, and any remaining funds will not revert to general revenue at the end of a biennium. The bill also mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education report on program participation, food insecurity reduction, and costs, and actively pursue federal funding opportunities. The tax deduction provision is set to begin in tax years after January 1, 2027, and both the program and the tax deduction have a sunset clause, meaning they will expire after six years unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3121&year=2026&code=R