The bill proposes the establishment of a statewide universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools, with the aim of providing all students with access to healthy and nutritious meals during the school day. The General Assembly has found that diet-related chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and that student hunger negatively impacts learning outcomes. The bill cites the benefits of the 2012 and 2016 nutrition standards for school meals, which are associated with improved test scores and reduced childhood obesity rates. It also notes the increased food insecurity experienced by households, particularly those with children, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill outlines the requirements for public elementary and secondary schools to provide breakfasts and lunches to students without charge every school day, in accordance with USDA rules and regulations. Schools are encouraged to maximize student participation and federal funding access through various provisions, including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, and to improve meal quality by complying with state-specific nutrition requirements, purchasing locally grown food, preparing scratch-cooked foods, and engaging students and families in menu development. The bill also mandates quarterly reporting on the purchasing of locally grown food items and provides for reimbursement of meal costs by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Additionally, the General Assembly is required to make appropriations to support the program and fund a full-time equivalent employee at the department for administration and implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.