NH Lawmakers Consider Bill to Expand Free School Meal Access
A New Hampshire Senate bill would permit school districts to expand access to free school meals while establishing a new state reimbursement program to help offset the added costs. According…
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A New Hampshire Senate bill would permit school districts to expand access to free school meals while establishing a new state reimbursement program to help offset the added costs.
According to a MyKeeneNow report, New Hampshire Senate bill SB 517 would enable local school districts to raise eligibility for free school meals to households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. This increase would be up from the current 130% for free meals and 185% for reduced-price meals.
Participating districts would be required to offer free and reduced-price meal applications in both online and paper formats, with the Department of Education providing rules and technical and administrative support for online systems. Districts that participate would receive state reimbursement covering half the difference between the federal free-meal rate and the reduced and paid rate for newly eligible students. Local districts, however, would shoulder the remaining costs.
Only districts already approved to operate USDA school meal programs would be eligible. If approved, the measure would take effect July 1, with eligibility for the 2026–2027 school year pending approval.
According to MyKeeneNow, the fiscal impact of SB 517 is uncertain and centers on district participation. The U.S. Department of Education estimates state meal reimbursements could reach about $7.2 million per year if all districts statewide adopt the expanded eligibility. In that scenario, it would require two additional staff positions to administer the program starting in fiscal year 2027, even though current funding is not included in the bill.
New Hampshire Senate bill SB 517 includes some language authorizing appropriations for software and administrative support. However, a fiscal note indicates that appropriations are written for a biennium ending before 2026, potentially delaying funding unless amended.
Similar proposals have been considered before. Opponents of SB 517, however, warn of long-term costs, while proponents argue the price reflects only a small portion of overall school expenses.
A public hearing on SB 517 is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 10 a.m. in the State Library before the Senate Education Committee.
