School Lunch Debt Funding

HB 515 creates Utah's School Meal Debt Relief Grant Program, appropriating $2 million for fiscal year 2026 to help public schools relieve outstanding meal debt for students. Local school districts (LEAs) can apply for grants to cover unpaid meal costs for enrolled students, with priority given to schools with the greatest need and potential community benefit. The program prohibits using funds to pay for students already eligible for free meals through federal or state programs. The State Board of Education will administer the program and report annually to the Education Interim Committee on grant distribution and impact.