This bill aims to expand access to free school meals by eliminating the reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs. Under the proposed changes, all students would either qualify for free meals or pay the full price, simplifying the current three-tiered system. This move intends to reduce administrative burdens and ensure more children receive meals without cost. A key provision significantly raises the income eligibility threshold for free school meals from 130 percent to 224 percent of the poverty level . This expansion means a greater number of students from low and middle-income families will qualify for free breakfasts and lunches. The bill also introduces direct certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits, streamlining the process for eligible families. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that local educational agencies provide retroactive reimbursement for free meals to the beginning of the school year once a child's eligibility is approved. It also increases the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) multiplier from 1.6 to 2.5, effective July 1, 2025. This change will allow more schools in high-poverty areas to offer free meals to all students without individual applications.