MN SF5152

Appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2025 to support grants for a pilot program providing free school meals to online students.

Allows school districts and charter schools operating online learning programs to apply for grants to partner with established nonprofit meal providers to distribute free meals to enrolled online students.

Requires the commissioner of education to award at least one grant to a program serving students in greater Minnesota and at least one grant to a program serving students in the metropolitan area.

Meals must be ready-to-eat or require minimal preparation and may be distributed on a weekly or commissioner-approved schedule from central or regional locations.

Schools receiving grants must report meal data to the commissioner, who must report to legislative committees by January 15 annually and provide recommendations for program expansion by January 15, 2026; up to five percent of appropriation may be retained for grant management; appropriation available until June 30, 2026.