Establishes the Missouri Free School Meals Program to reimburse schools for providing free breakfasts and lunches to all students

SB 172 would create Missouri's Free School Meals Program, requiring the state to reimburse public schools for providing free breakfasts and lunches to every student, regardless of income. This directly affects all Missouri public schools and students in grades K-12. The key mechanism is state funding to cover the cost of meals, with schools receiving reimbursement after providing the meals. The bill aims to eliminate meal fees for all students by shifting the cost to the state budget. (Note: The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet been enacted.)