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 support under-resourced school districts by prioritizing the expansion of meal programs in areas with the greatest need.

To implement these changes, the bill introduces new legal language that requires eligible schools to apply for CEP funding and participate in universal meal options. It retains existing provisions that require county boards of education to establish and operate school nutrition programs, ensuring that nutritious meals are available to all students. The bill also maintains the requirement for collaboration with the state Office of Child Nutrition to improve participation rates in school meal programs and outlines the responsibilities of county boards in monitoring meal participation statistics.

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