Maryland SB586 establishes a Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program to support schools in providing meals to students.

Maryland SB586 creates a Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the Department of Education. The program aims to support schools in providing meals to students by paying the difference between federal reimbursement rates. The Department will distribute funds based on poverty concentration in public schools. Schools must report on their participation decisions, potential savings, and projected costs. The Governor must include an appropriation of $10,000,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2028. The Department will report on program outcomes and school meal debt annually.

Maryland SB586 establishes a Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program to support schools in providing meals to students.

Maryland SB586 creates a Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the Department of Education. The program aims to support schools in providing meals to students by paying the difference between federal reimbursement rates. The Department will distribute funds based on poverty concentration in public schools. Schools must report on their participation decisions, potential savings, and projected costs. The Governor must include an appropriation of $10,000,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2028. The Department will report on program outcomes and school meal debt annually.