HI HR107

Urges the Department of Education to provide a detailed report to the Legislature on the true cost of producing school meals to ensure transparency and prevent unnecessary price increases.

Requires the report to include cost breakdowns for the 2024-2025 school year and projected costs for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, covering ingredients (including local sourcing), operational costs, beverages, materials/supplies, and logistics/distribution.

Requests data on the number of meals provided by category: full-price, reduced-price, free, federal reimbursement-eligible, non-reimbursable, and total meals with associated costs.

Addresses the Department's proposed meal price increases from $2.50 to $4.75 for grades K-8 and $2.75 to $5.00 for grades 9-12 by 2028-2029, citing a stated production cost of $9.00 per meal.

Requires the Department to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session convenes.