AR SB477

Federal funds appropriated to the Department of Education for child nutrition programs shall provide school breakfasts and lunches at no cost to each qualifying student.

Public schools serving school breakfasts or lunches cannot charge qualifying students a reduced-price copayment for these meals.

The Department of Education shall provide federal child nutrition funds to public schools to cover the cost of eliminating reduced-price copayments, or use other authorized state funds if federal funds are insufficient.

The Department of Education must report annually by November 15 to the House and Senate Education Committees on child nutrition program procedures, application numbers, acceptance/denial rates, and students automatically qualifying based on federal eligibility requirements.

Arkansas Legislative Audit shall audit the Department of Education Child Nutrition Unit by December 15, 2023, to determine whether schools effectively expand students' access to free meals and comply with federal and state law.