The bill proposes an amendment to Alaska's education law, specifically AS 14.17, by adding a new section that mandates the provision of free breakfast and lunch in public schools. Under this new provision, the state department is required to allocate sufficient funding to school districts to ensure that any student who requests a meal can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. This initiative is contingent upon state appropriations and aims to enhance the nutritional support available to students.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of maximizing federal financial assistance to support the provision of these meals. This approach not only aims to alleviate the financial burden on families but also seeks to improve student health and academic performance by ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.
Statutes affected: HB0012A, AM HB 12, introduced 01/10/2025: