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SF 58

A bill for an act relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 14 co-sponsors

SF 58 ensures free breakfast and lunch for students from families earning up to 400% of the poverty level, promoting health and learning in schools.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Evans, and Winckler.
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Bill Summary · SF 58

Summary of SF 58: School Lunch and Breakfast Programs

Bill Number: SF 58
Introduced On: January 16, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Evans, and Winckler
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Appropriations, Charter Schools, Education Department, Innovation Zone Schools, Nutrition, Private Education, School Districts, Schools, Students

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 58 is to enhance access to nutritious meals for students attending school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. The bill aims to ensure that students from low-income families can receive breakfast and lunch at no charge, thereby promoting better health and educational outcomes.

Key Provisions

  1. Nutritional Meal Provision:

    • The bill mandates that breakfast and lunch be provided at no cost to students whose family income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. This threshold is defined by the most recent poverty income guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  2. Implementation Timeline:

    • For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026: Schools must provide meals at no charge to eligible students (family income ≤ 400% of the federal poverty level).
    • Repeal Dates:
      • The provisions for meals at no charge for families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level will be repealed on July 1, 2026.
      • The provisions for meals at no charge for families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level will be repealed on July 1, 2027.

  3. Funding Appropriations:

    • The bill includes an appropriation from the state's general fund to the Department of Education, ensuring that necessary funds are available to support the implementation of these meal programs starting from July 1, 2025, and for each fiscal year thereafter.

Impact

  • Who Will Be Affected:

    • The legislation primarily impacts students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools who come from families with incomes at or below the specified poverty levels.
    • School districts and educational institutions will be responsible for implementing the meal programs and ensuring compliance with the new provisions.

  • Nutritional Standards:

    • All meals served under this program must meet nutritional adequacy standards, promoting healthier eating habits among students.

Conclusion

SF 58 represents a significant step towards improving food security for students in educational settings. By providing free meals to low-income families, the bill aims to alleviate hunger and foster an environment conducive to learning. The appropriations outlined in the bill will support the necessary funding to ensure these programs are effectively implemented.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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