Massachusetts H603 mandates universal school meals, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in participating schools.

Massachusetts H603, also known as the Act relative to universal school meals, requires all schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to every student. The bill adopts federal provisions to maximize access to federal funds for school meal costs. If federal funds do not cover the full cost, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will bear the difference. The bill also mandates schools to promote the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to families. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Massachusetts H603 mandates universal school meals, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students in participating schools.

Massachusetts H603, also known as the Act relative to universal school meals, requires all schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to every student. The bill adopts federal provisions to maximize access to federal funds for school meal costs. If federal funds do not cover the full cost, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will bear the difference. The bill also mandates schools to promote the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to families. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2023.