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 20 percent or more of their students were eligible. The new law requires school districts to submit a plan for the establishment of these breakfast programs 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 programs 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 breakfast program, provided they submit a plan detailing their challenges and proposed solutions. The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, will review submitted plans and make recommendations as needed. The state will also allocate necessary funds annually to support the implementation of these breakfast programs.