Peach Tree Times

State Representative Mary Ann Santos has introduced House Bill 696 in Georgia, aimed at providing free meals to students in under-performing public schools. The bill targets schools performing in the lowest 25 percent and seeks to improve academic outcomes by ensuring students have access to nutritious meals.

"This bill aims to strengthen public schools by investing in those identified under the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, enhancing their academic opportunities to improve student performance," said Rep. Santos. "By ensuring children have access to nutritious meals, this is a crucial way to invest back into our schools and support student success. We know that when children are properly fed, they are more prepared to tackle their school day and contribute to the classroom. I am hopeful for the bill’s passage."

The proposed legislation requires the State Board of Education to determine the necessary state funds for implementing statewide lunch and breakfast programs for eligible schools based on performance over the past two years. It also mandates reimbursement of local school systems at the federal rate per meal and encourages maximizing federal funding through options like the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Schools with at least 40 percent low-income students must participate in CEP for subsequent years.

The full text of HB 696 is available for public review.