Local optional aid for schools increase provision, state-paid free lunches limited to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level, and appropriation

This bill increases local optional aid for Minnesota schools and limits state-paid free school lunches to families with incomes at or below 500% of the federal poverty level. It creates a "free enhanced school meals program" requiring participating schools (those with high student poverty rates) to provide two free, federally reimbursable meals daily to all eligible students. The bill amends funding formulas to adjust state aid payments for school lunch programs based on this new income threshold, effective for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects Minnesota public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and their students from households meeting the income criteria.