NC H774

Requires all public school units, including charter schools and laboratory schools, to provide breakfast at no cost to students in prekindergarten through grade 12 who elect to receive it, effective July 1, 2025

Appropriates $39 million in recurring funds for fiscal year 2025-2026: $34 million for the universal breakfast program and $5 million for farm-to-table initiatives

Establishes a farm-to-table initiative requiring the Department of Public Instruction to incorporate locally sourced ingredients into school breakfast programs and partner with local farmers and food producers

Mandates schools participate in the federal School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, and Community Eligibility Provision Program if eligible

Requires the Department of Public Instruction to submit annual reports by February 15 on participation rates, costs, and program effectiveness including impacts on student health and academic performance