SB 131 - This act establishes the "Missouri School Meals Act". The act requires all schools, as the term "school" is defined in the act, to provide a free lunch to each student who qualifies for a reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education shall reimburse schools for their share of the cost of providing free lunches. Schools shall determine which students may be eligible for free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program and shall provide information and assistance to parents and guardians for purposes of filling out applications for such Program. Schools shall not publicly identify or stigmatize students who are eligible for such assistance.
This act creates the "School Meals Fund", which shall be used to reimburse schools for the costs of providing free lunches as provided in the act. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to implement the program, including the process by which schools may apply for reimbursement.
This act is similar to SB 1154 (2024), HB 2392 (2024), SB 321 (2023), HB 878 (2024), and HB 977 (2024).
OLIVIA SHANNON