For the reimbursement of school districts and participating schools for the costs of providing universal free school meals pursuant to
section 1C of chapter 69 of the General Laws; provided, that districts receiving funds under this item shall not implement a meal charge for students; provided further, that participating districts that are eligible for reimbursement under the community eligibility provision of the National School Lunch Program or an applicable provision of the National Child Nutrition Act, Public Law 111-296, shall adopt said provision to maximize access to federal funds; and provided further, that not later than January 15, 2027, the department of elementary and secondary education shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means, the joint committee on education and the executive office for administration and finance that shall include: (i) data on any change in utilization of school lunch services in districts receiving funding under this item, delineated by free, reduced and paid students as defined by the National School Lunch Program; (ii) the distribution of funding paid through this item delineated by school district; and (iii) options to reform, modify or extend the program in a manner that promotes equity, maximizes federal funds and improves predictability and sustainability of funding
| | Education and Transportation Fund | ............... | 100% |
