H.R. 2402: No Hungry Kids in Schools Act

The proposed legislation, known as the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act, seeks to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to enhance meal assistance programs in schools. Below are the main points of the bill:

1. Statewide Community Eligibility Program

The bill introduces a new option for states to implement a statewide community eligibility program for schools. This program is aimed at providing free meals to students in schools where there is a significant number of low-income families.

2. Eligibility and Funding

To qualify for this statewide eligibility, a state agency must:

• Agree to use non-Federal funding to ensure local educational agencies receive full reimbursement for all meals served at eligible schools.

If a state meets these requirements:

• The reimbursement for meals will be at a rate of 100% for all applicable schools.
• The eligibility threshold for this program will be set at zero, allowing all students to benefit regardless of specific income levels.
• The calculation for the percentage of students eligible for free meals (identified students) will be done across all applicable schools in the state, rather than just by individual school districts.

3. Implementation Date

This amendment is set to take effect for school years starting on or after July 1, 2025.

4. Purpose

The intent of this legislation is to improve access to nutritious meals for children in schools, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas, thereby aiming to reduce food insecurity among students.

Relevant Companies

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