This bill aims to provide every public school student in Arkansas with one free breakfast each school day upon request, regardless of their eligibility for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. The new provision, effective from the 2025-2026 school year, mandates that students who do not qualify for existing meal programs still receive a breakfast at no cost. To support this initiative, the Department of Education will receive federal funds designated for child nutrition programs, and if those funds are insufficient, the department is authorized to use other legally available funds to cover the costs.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new Food Insecurity Fund, which will be financed through general revenues, transfers from the General Revenue Fund Account, and private grants. This fund will be used to ensure that the provisions of the bill are met, including covering the costs associated with providing free breakfasts. The bill also includes an emergency clause, indicating the immediate need for implementation to facilitate proper planning and funding for the upcoming school year.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB59 V2 - 1-30-2025 12:46 PM: 6-18-722, 19-5-202(b)
Old version SB59 V3 - 2-4-2025 02:58 PM: 6-18-722, 19-5-202(b)
Old version SB59 V4 - 2-12-2025 10:09 AM: 6-18-722, 19-5-202(b)
Old version SB59 Original - 1-14-2025 03:36 PM: 6-18-722
SB 59: 6-18-722
Act 123: 6-18-722, 19-5-202(b)