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HB 7793

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would provide universal free breakfast and lunch in public schools through a phased program, funded by state appropriations and federal reimbursements.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7793

Summary of HB 7793 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Education: Federal Aid

Purpose and Intent

HB 7793, introduced February 12, 2026, would establish a statewide "Healthy School Meals for All" program in Rhode Island public schools. The plan envisions universal school breakfasts and lunches on a phased rollout over three school years, starting with elementary schools and expanding to middle and high schools. The bill emphasizes improving student health and learning outcomes by ensuring all students have access to free, nutritious meals during the school day.

Key motivations cited in the findings include high levels of household food insecurity, links between student hunger and adverse learning outcomes, and potential long-term healthcare cost savings associated with nutritious school meals.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Establishment of a Universal School Meal Program

    • Creation of the “Healthy School Meals for All” program within Chapter 16-8 (amendment to the Rhode Island Board of Education Act) to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students in Rhode Island public schools.
    • Phased implementation:
      • 2027-2028: All public elementary schools must offer free breakfast and lunch to elementary students.
      • 2028-2029: All public elementary and middle schools (through grade 8) must offer free breakfast and lunch.
      • 2029-2030: All public elementary, middle, and high schools must offer free breakfast and lunch, in line with USDA rules and DESE regulations.

  2. Participation in Federal Programs to Maximize Funding

    • Public educational entities are required to pursue maximum federal reimbursement by participating in one or more federal programs, including:
      • National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (Provision 2 guidance per USDA)
      • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) per USDA
      • Any other federal provisions that yield the most federal funding for meals (including active collection of meal benefit applications)

  3. Operational and Program Quality Requirements

    • Schools must strive for high student participation in meals and may implement strategies such as:
      • Breakfast taken outside the cafeteria or in classrooms
      • Public health/wellness subcommittee collaboration in meal planning
      • Minimum lunch periods of 20 minutes
    • Commitments to improve meal quality, including:
      • Compliance with state nutrition standards for meals and snacks
      • Preference for locally grown/produced foods (as defined by the DESE)
      • Scratch cooking and culturally relevant meals
      • Inclusion of student and family input in menu development

  4. Reporting and Accountability

    • Public educational entities must report, at least quarterly, data on locally sourced food purchases to DESE, with reporting details to be determined annually by DESE.

  5. Funding and Administration

    • DESE will reimburse school entities for the difference between the federal free meal reimbursement rate (for breakfast and lunch) and the actual federal reimbursement rate received per meal.
    • The General Assembly must appropriate:
      • An annual line-item to support the difference in costs for breakfasts and lunches in state-subsidized early childhood and K-12 programs (entitlement funding, with adjustments as needed)
      • An annual line-item to fund one full-time equivalent (FTE) at DESE to administer and implement the program

  6. Effective Date

    • The act would take effect July 1, 2027.

Who/What is Affected

  • Public educational entities in Rhode Island (elementary, middle, and high schools) would be responsible for implementing universal free meals under the phased schedule.
  • DESE (Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) would administer reimbursements, oversee reporting requirements, and adopt implementing rules and regulations.
  • Students and families: All enrolled students would have access to free breakfast and lunch during the school day.
  • School meal programs: May adjust operations (meal delivery methods, classroom service, 20-minute lunch periods) and would align with federal funding programs to maximize reimbursements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Phased implementation begins with elementary schools in 2027-2028, expands to elementary and middle schools by 2028-2029, and covers all grades by 2029-2030.
  • DESE is tasked with rulemaking to implement reimbursements and other program details.
  • Annual appropriations are required for both meal cost differentials and one DESE FTE to administer the program.

Notes

  • The bill aligns Rhode Island with broader federal nutrition initiatives intended to reduce child hunger and improve health and educational outcomes.
  • It contemplates ongoing state funding obligations (entitlement and admin FTE) to sustain universal meal provision beyond federal reimbursements.

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

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