BP BHEAD INT S

AN ACT Relating to child nutrition programs; adding new sections to chapter 28A.235 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that hungry children do not come to school prepared to learn. It is of utmost importance that all children be provided adequate space and meal time for basic nutrition and nutrition education so that they may grow and be prepared to compete in the future. It is the intent of this act that by the 1995-96 school year, all common schools in the state of Washington will have a school breakfast and lunch program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.235 RCW to read as follows:

(1) During the 1993-94 school year, in addition to those schools with a school breakfast program under RCW 28A.235.140, all schools that have a lunch program shall institute a school breakfast program.

(2) Beginning with the 1994-95 school year, all common schools that do not have a breakfast or a lunch program on the effective date of this section shall institute either a school breakfast program or a school lunch program.

(3) Beginning with the 1995-96 school year, all common schools shall have both school breakfast and school lunch programs.

(4) Schools that are undertaking major construction projects or have other extraordinary hardships may be granted an annual waiver for a maximum of two years from the superintendent of public instruction to delay implementation of the meal programs in this section.

(5) Students shall qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunches in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.

(6) In order for a school to receive state funding for programs under this section, applications shall be made for all applicable federal grants.

(7) All school districts shall apply for federal severe need breakfast funds, if eligible.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 28A.235 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall administer the program in section 2 of this act.

(2) School districts are encouraged to use state funds to purchase state agricultural commodities.

(3) Moneys received by schools under the program in sections 2 through 5 of this act shall be used to support purchases of foods and supplies and labor costs. Moneys received by schools shall not be used for capital expenditures.

(4) The superintendent of public instruction shall report in January and July to the governor and the interagency food issues committee. The report shall include the following:

(a) Schools that are in compliance with the program in section 2 of this act and those that are not;

(b) Statistics on reimbursement; and

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 28A.235 RCW to read as follows:

Schools may apply to the superintendent of public instruction for grants to implement and increase participation in school breakfast and lunch programs. Priority shall be given to schools to establish school meal programs. Subject to available funds, grants may be awarded to schools to increase participation in existing meal programs. The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules for the application for and award of grants under this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 28A.235 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall administer the federal summer foods service program.

(2) Eligible sponsoring agencies may apply to the superintendent of public instruction for grants to start summer food service programs and add sites to existing summer food service programs.

(3) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules for the application for and award of grants under this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. By February 1996, the superintendent of public instruction shall report to the governor, the legislature, and the interagency food issues committee the names of schools and school boards whose schools are not in compliance with this act by December 1995.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill number, is not provided by June 30, 1993, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act shall be null and void.