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 or provision 2 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, 2026, the department of elementary and secondary education shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means 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 full-- pay students as defined by the National School Lunch Program; (ii) the distribution of funding paid through this item and, for the purpose of universal free school meals in fiscal year 2024, item 7053--1925 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% |
