MN SF2708

Limits state-funded free school meals to students from families with incomes at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, replacing the current universal free meals program with an "enhanced school meals program" for eligible students only

Creates a new first tier local optional allowance of $92 per adjusted pupil unit for school districts, while renaming the existing $300 and $424 allowances as second and third tier respectively

Expands charter school funding to include both first and second tier local optional aid allowances from the student's district of residence, rather than just one tier

Allows school districts to set meal eligibility standards higher than the 500% federal poverty threshold and transfer other school funds to cover those additional costs

Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund to the Department of Education for local optional aid and school lunch programs in fiscal years 2026 and 2027