The bill amends Section 16-8-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-8, which is related to federal aid and the Rhode Island Board of Education Act. The amendment mandates that all public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island are required to make type A lunches available to students, with free and reduced price lunches provided to those from families meeting federal and state criteria. The amendment also authorizes the department of elementary and secondary education to expand the school lunch program using food preparation centers for more economical meal delivery to participating schools.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that requires the department of elementary and secondary education to provide a Kosher option for school lunches in all public schools upon the request of local school districts. This inclusion ensures that students with dietary restrictions related to their religious beliefs have appropriate meal options available to them. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5776: 16-8-10