For the school breakfast program for public and nonpublic schools and for grants to improve summer food programs during the summer school vacation period; provided, that within the summer food program, priority shall be given to extending such programs for the full summer vacation period and promoting increased participation in such programs; provided further, that the department of elementary and secondary education shall solicit proposals from returning sponsors and school food authorities in time for implementation of such grant program during the summer of 2024; provided further, that such grants shall only be awarded to sponsors who can demonstrate their intent to offer full summer programs or increase participation; provided further, that the department shall require sufficient reporting from each grantee to measure the success of such grant program; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2024, the department shall select grantees for the program authorized by this item; provided further, that funds shall be expended for the universal school breakfast program through which all children in schools receiving funds under such program shall be provided free, nutritious breakfast; provided further, that subject to regulations by the board of education that specify time and learning standards, breakfast shall be served during regular school hours; provided further, that participation shall be limited to those elementary schools mandated to serve breakfast under
section 1C of chapter 69 of the General Laws where not less than 60 per cent of the students are eligible for free or reduced price meals under the federally-funded school meals program; provided further, that not later than November 15, 2023, the department shall select school sites for programs authorized by this item and shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the preliminary results of these grants not later than February 8, 2024; provided further, that kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, public schools that are required to serve breakfast under said
section 1C of said chapter 69 and where not less than 60 per cent of students are eligible for free or reduced price meals shall offer school breakfast after the instructional day has begun and the tardy bell rings; provided further, that not later than September 1, 2023, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of school district compliance with this requirement including, but not limited to, all data regarding breakfast-delivery models utilized and participation rates; provided further, that not less than $102,500,000 shall be expended on universal free school meals which shall be made available to all students at no charge regardless of household income and consistent with waivers granted pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Public Law 116-127 and any extensions thereto; provided further, that not less than $700,000 shall be expended for a grant with Project Bread-The Walk for Hunger, Inc., to enhance and expand the summer food service outreach program and the school breakfast outreach program; and provided further, that nothing in the universal school breakfast program shall give rise to legal rights in any party or provide enforceable entitlement to services, prior appropriation continued
