The bill establishes a financial assistance program for public schools in Wyoming to support the operation of food service programs, mandating that school districts create such programs to ensure that lunch is available to every student enrolled in public school. Specifically, it allows school districts to apply for funding to cover up to 50% of unpaid meal balances from the previous school year, with eligibility contingent upon charging a minimum price per meal set by the state department of education. The bill also outlines the application process, including required documentation and deadlines, and mandates that the state department notify districts of funding decisions by February 15 each year.

Additionally, the bill modifies the duties of the state superintendent of public instruction to include establishing requirements for food service programs and reporting on their implementation. It requires school boards to establish food service programs by the 2023-2024 school year and to report on various financial aspects of these programs annually. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the public school foundation program account for the financial assistance program, with a limit of $75,000 per school year, and specifies that the first application date for funding will be September 30, 2024. The act is effective immediately, with the appropriation section taking effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-2-202, 21-3-110, 21-3-111