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Senate passes bill allowing expanded federal school meal option for select schools
Summary
House Bill 222, sponsored on the floor by Senator Hilliard, passed the Utah Senate; the bill lets eligible schools provide federally funded lunch during the school day (Start Smart/Breakfast program) and includes amendments intended to limit long‑term state cost exposure.
The Utah Senate passed House Bill 222 on third reading, a measure floor‑sponsored by Senator Hilliard that expands the use of federal school meal programs so selected schools can provide lunch during the school day under federal funding rules.
Senator Hilliard described the bill as a way to help students who otherwise miss meals. “It provides for lunch through federal funding to children in between breakfast or during the school day when they're at school,” he said, stressing the program uses federal dollars rather than state spending. He detailed committee work that led to amendments intended to make the bill more broadly acceptable to the Legislature.
Members praised extensive committee work and repeated that the bill was refined after the sponsor and the state superintendent answered questions and suggested changes. Senator McKay credited the superintendent’s research for improving the bill’s waiver language and said committee review made the legislation better.
The Senate considered the bill under suspension of the rules and approved it by roll call: 25 yeas, 1 nay, 3 absent. Sponsors said the bill aims to expand participation among schools that previously did not qualify and to reduce barriers that keep students from eating during the school day.
Next steps: The bill will be returned to the House for further consideration. Sponsors said local implementation details and eligibility thresholds set in the bill will determine how many schools adopt the program.
