The Kids Need Lunch Act would make school lunches free for all children enrolled in schools participating in the federal lunch program, eliminating current income-based eligibility requirements. The federal government would reimburse schools at a rate of $4.86 per lunch (adjusted annually for inflation), ensuring schools receive adequate funding to serve all students without charge. Additionally, the bill would create a one-time reimbursement program to pay off existing school meal debt accumulated by families, with the federal government covering all back payments owed to schools within 180 days of the law's enactment. Schools would also be prohibited from collecting unpaid lunch charges going forward. The legislation takes effect one year after enactment, giving schools time to prepare for universal free lunch service. While no specific total funding amount is stated, the bill authorizes "such sums as are necessary" to cover the program's costs.
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