Federal universal school meals bill would end student lunch debt

What does this do?

This bill would make breakfast and lunch free for every student in participating schools, no matter what their family earns. Schools could not charge students for meals or single out children with unpaid meal debt. Free meals would also expand to summer programs, afterschool care, and childcare centers.

Who does it affect?

The roughly 50 million K-12 students in schools that take part in federal meal programs would be affected, along with their families, school food service workers, and local school districts. Families who currently pay full or reduced price for school meals would no longer receive a bill.

Why does it matter?

Schools and states would take on new paperwork and administrative responsibilities under this bill. The way the government measures student poverty across several federal programs would also need to change, since it currently relies on who qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, a category that would no longer exist.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $3.28/breakfast, $5.42/lunch reimbursed
• Bonus pay for 25% local food purchases
• Gov't repays existing unpaid meal debt