This bill aims to enhance the Healthy School Meals for All initiative in West Virginia by mandating that all schools eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or other universal meal programs must participate in these programs. The legislation emphasizes the importance of maximizing federal funding to ensure that breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to students. The bill also seeks to prioritize the expansion of these meal programs in under-resourced school districts that have the greatest need.

To implement this, the bill introduces new legal language that requires eligible schools to apply for CEP funding, thereby ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals. The existing provisions regarding the establishment of school nutrition programs, collaboration with the state Office of Child Nutrition, and reporting requirements remain intact, while the new insertion reinforces the commitment to providing free meals through federal support. Overall, the bill reflects a concerted effort to improve student nutrition and support educational outcomes across the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5D-3