Adopt the Hunger-Free Schools Act

LB 14, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires all Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school day. It replaces previous reimbursement systems by having the State Department of Education reimburse schools for meals that would otherwise cost students (like reduced-price or full-price meals), based on differences between federal free-meal rates and standard rates. Schools with high poverty rates (62.5% or more students eligible for free meals) must use the federal "community eligibility" program to maximize funding. This directly affects school districts and participating private schools, ensuring all students receive free meals while aligning state funding with federal nutrition program rules.