HB 2471

Abstract

Amends the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, for State Fiscal Year 2024 only and in addition to other amounts provided for school breakfast and lunch programs, the State Board of Education shall provide supplemental nutrition aid to participants in the national school breakfast and lunch programs. Provides that a participant's supplemental nutrition aid shall equal the participant's State Fiscal Year 2023 actual expenditures for providing school breakfast and lunch programs, minus the participant's State Fiscal Year 2023 State reimbursement, minus the participant's State Fiscal Year 2023 federal contribution. Repeals these provisions on January 1, 2026. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 125/2 from Ch. 122, par. 712.2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. In provisions concerning reimbursement of sponsors, provides that the State Board of Education shall reimburse not less than $0.15 or the actual cost, whichever is less, to non-profit welfare centers for each free breakfast and lunch. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish the Healthy School Meals for All Program to begin on July 1, 2023. Provides that each school board of a school district or governing body of a nonpublic school that chooses to participate in the Healthy School Meals for All Program shall offer eligible meals, without charge, to all students enrolled in schools that participate in the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. Sets forth provisions regarding eligibility for the Healthy School Meals for All Program, program requirements, reimbursement (subject to appropriation), federal and other funding, State Board support and technical assistance, and the federal Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program. Provides that if the United States Department of Agriculture creates the option for the State, as a whole, to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision, then the State Board of Education shall evaluate whether that option is anticipated to require less State funding than the Healthy School Meals for All Program and provide at least as many free meals to students. Sets forth requirements concerning that option. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the requirement that the State Board of Education establish the Healthy School Meals for All Program is subject to appropriation (instead of the requirement that a participating school board receive reimbursement is subject to appropriation).