NE LB966

Creates the Hunger-Free Schools Program requiring qualified public and private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to students who qualify for reduced-price meals under USDA child nutrition programs.

State Department of Education will annually reimburse schools for the difference between federal free meal and reduced-price meal reimbursement rates for each eligible meal served.

Applies to schools not already serving free meals to all students under the federal community eligibility provision.

Funding intended to come from General Fund appropriations to the State Department of Education.

Repeals existing sections 79-10,138 and 79-10,139 related to school breakfast program reimbursement and amends section 79-10,137 to add legislative findings that every student deserves access to healthy food during the school day.