AN ACT CONCERNING INCREASED ACCESS TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS.

HB 5225 expands free school meal eligibility to students living in towns where their school district participates in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), even if they attend a school in a non-CEP district. This directly affects low-income students in specific geographic areas, removing barriers caused by school district boundaries. The bill amends state law to ensure these students qualify for free meals regardless of which district they attend, based on their home town's CEP status. It aims to support children's health and nutrition by aligning meal access with family residence rather than school district policies. The policy change is implemented through a straightforward adjustment to existing eligibility rules.