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HB 180

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program, repealing provisions relating to school lunch and breakfast reimbursement and establishing the Universal School Meal Program and the Universal School Meal Fund; and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Boyd and 36 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill replaces school lunch reimbursement system with universal meal program funded through new state fund to provide meals to all students.

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Bill Summary · HB 180

Legislative bill overview

HB 180 would repeal Pennsylvania's existing school lunch and breakfast reimbursement system and replace it with a Universal School Meal Program funded through a new Universal School Meal Fund. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish this new framework for providing meals to students.

Why is this important

Currently, school meal programs rely on a mix of federal reimbursements, state funding, and family contributions based on income levels. Universal meal programs could eliminate food insecurity among students and reduce stigma associated with reduced-price or free meals, potentially improving attendance and academic outcomes. However, implementing universal meals requires significant new funding and represents a substantial shift in how states finance school nutrition.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: The bill creates a new fund but doesn't specify how it will be financed—whether through general appropriations, taxes, or reallocation from existing programs. This is critical for understanding fiscal impact.
  • Program scope: Unclear whether "universal" means truly free for all students regardless of income, or if it maintains some means-testing, which affects both cost and implementation complexity.
  • Transition and administration: Eliminating the current reimbursement system requires operational changes to school districts; details on transition support and administrative requirements are not provided in this summary.

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

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