ATLANTA – State Representative Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough) recently introduced House Bill 696, which would provide free school meals to students enrolled in public schools performing in the lowest 25 percent.
“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.”
HB 696 would task the State Board of Education with determining the amount of state funds needed to provide state-wide school lunch and breakfast programs to students enrolled in public schools that performed in the lowest 25 percent based during the last two school years. The state would also be tasked with reimbursing local school systems for their school breakfast at the federal reimbursement rate per eligible meal. Furthermore, schools would have to maximize federal funding for school meal programs by adopting the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or any other option that secures the most federal funds. Schools or sites with at least 40 percent identified low-income students would be required to participate in CEP for the following school year and the full four-year cycle.
The full text of HB 696 may be found here.
Representative Mary Ann Santos represents the citizens of District 117, which includes a portion of Henry County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Judiciary Juvenile and State Properties committees.
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