Proposed Bill No. 5008, introduced in the February Session, 2024, by various representatives, seeks to allocate funds to the Department of Education to ensure that students in participating schools can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Specifically, the bill proposes an appropriation of sixteen million dollars from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This funding is intended to cover the cost of providing breakfast to all students in schools that participate in the school breakfast program and to provide lunch at no cost to students who are eligible for reduced-price meals in schools that participate in the national school lunch program.

The purpose of this act is to reimburse school food authorities for the difference between the federal reimbursement rate for reduced-price and fully-paid school breakfast and lunch program meals. By doing so, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on schools and ensure that students have access to nutritious meals without cost being a barrier. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further consideration.