This bill mandates that public schools in New Jersey with five percent or more of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must establish a school breakfast program. Previously, schools were only required to implement such programs if they had 20 percent or more eligible students. The new law requires school districts to submit a plan for the breakfast program to the Department of Agriculture, with deadlines set for November 1, 2022, and November 1, 2023, depending on the grades offered. Schools must implement the program by September 1, 2023, for those serving grades K-6, and by September 1, 2024, for other grades. If a district fails to submit a plan, it must follow a model plan provided by the Department of Agriculture.

Additionally, the bill allows for a one-year waiver for schools that lack the necessary resources to implement the program, provided they submit a plan and justification for the waiver. The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, will review submitted plans and make recommendations as needed. The bill also ensures that the state will appropriate necessary funds annually to support the implementation of these school breakfast programs.