Nebraska expands free school meals program for low-income families

Nebraska lawmakers have approved legislation that will provide free school meals to roughly 27,000 students who currently qualify for reduced-price meals, according to the Unicameral Update.

LB966, the Hunger-Free Schools Act introduced by Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, passed April 10 on a vote of 38-11. The legislation requires the state Department of Education to reimburse schools for the difference between federal reimbursement rates for free meals and reduced-price meals, allowing eligible students from low-income families to receive meals at no cost.

The bill creates a five-year Hunger-Free Schools Pilot Program, funded by a private donor, which will run through the 2031-32 school year. An amendment adopted during select file debate appropriates $55,638 in general funds in fiscal year 2026-27 and FY2027-28 to ensure coverage for private schools wishing to participate.

The Nebraska Department of Education will reimburse qualifying schools for the difference between reduced-cost school lunches — 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch — and free lunches. Schools must apply to participate and report the number of meals served, with the department studying the pilot program's impact on student academic performance and behavior, with findings due to the Legislature by December 2032.

The measure addresses growing food insecurity across Nebraska. Advocates noted that 105,000 Nebraska households experienced food insecurity in 2023, up 8,000 from the previous year. Education officials testified that hunger creates significant academic and behavioral challenges for students, including lack of concentration, disruptive behavior and lower academic achievement.

The program originally was designed to benefit only public school students through private donations, but Sen. Carolyn Bosn offered an amendment to include private school students using state funding. "I think we should feed all kids," Bosn said.