SCHOOLS/FOOD PROGRAMS: Creates and provides for the Free School Breakfast Program to be administered by the state Department of Education (OR INCREASE SG EX See Note)

HB 269 creates Louisiana's Free School Breakfast Program, requiring the state Department of Education to administer it and provide free breakfasts to all students in participating public schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. School districts must participate in the federal School Breakfast Program and use the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to maximize funding, ensuring all students receive breakfast at no cost daily. The program funds breakfasts through reimbursement based on the difference between federal USDA payments and the annual free-rate set by the USDA. It directly affects Louisiana public school students in districts meeting federal eligibility criteria and requires school districts to adopt CEP to qualify for state funding. Implementation depends on legislative appropriation of funds.