Title 7. Public Schools — Subtitle 6. Subsidized and Free Feeding Programs
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-601 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 6. Subsidized and Free Feeding Programs
§ 7–601LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The State Board shall adopt and publish standards for the administration of the free feeding program.
(b)
The standards shall provide for eligibility requirements for the program.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-602 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 6. Subsidized and Free Feeding Programs
§ 7–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a State Free Feeding Program.
(b)
(1)
Each year the State Superintendent shall determine the amount of State money required to provide the Program in accordance with the standards adopted by the State Board under this subtitle.
(2)
The amount included for this Program in the annual State budget, including any federal funds, and as submitted to and appropriated by the General Assembly, shall be distributed to the county boards and participating nonpublic schools in the same manner as the process established under § 5–205 of this article.
(c)
(1)
A nonpublic school in the State that participates in the federal School Breakfast Program or the National School Lunch Program may participate in the State free feeding program.
(2)
If a nonpublic school participates in the State free feeding program, the State shall be responsible for reimbursing the participating nonpublic school under subsection (d) of this section.
(d)
The State shall be responsible for reimbursing a county board or a participating nonpublic school for the student share of the costs of:
(1)
Breakfasts provided to all students eligible for a reduced price breakfast under the federal School Breakfast Program according to the following schedule:
(i)
For fiscal year 2020, 10 cents per student;
(ii)
For fiscal year 2021, 20 cents per student; and
(iii)
For fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the greater of 30 cents per student or the required federal per meal charge to students; and
(2)
Lunches provided to all students eligible for a reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program according to the following schedule:
(i)
For fiscal year 2020, 10 cents per student;
(ii)
For fiscal year 2021, 20 cents per student;
(iii)
For fiscal year 2022, 30 cents per student; and
(iv)
For fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter, the greater of 40 cents per student or the required federal per meal charge to students.
(e)
(1)
Beginning in fiscal year 2022, a county board or participating nonpublic school may not charge a student who is eligible for a reduced price breakfast for any portion of the cost of the meal.
(2)
Beginning in fiscal year 2023, a county board or participating nonpublic school may not charge a student who is eligible for a reduced price lunch for any portion of the cost of the meal.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-603 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 6. Subsidized and Free Feeding Programs
§ 7–603LinkCopy Citation
Each public school and participating nonpublic school in this State shall provide a free feeding program for children who meet the standards adopted by the State Board under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-604 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 6. Subsidized and Free Feeding Programs
§ 7–604LinkCopy Citation
Funds appropriated for the free feeding program shall be used to reimburse each county board and participating nonpublic school for the difference between costs and all available reimbursements and other funds.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-605 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 6. Subsidized and Free Feeding Programs
§ 7–605LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The General Assembly finds the following policies desirable in the administration and application of the school feeding program:
(1)
Private organizations and corporations should be encouraged to participate in the program;
(2)
The identity of children who participate in the free feeding program should remain anonymous and positive procedures should be adopted to accomplish this; and
(3)
Applications for participants in the program should be brief and simple, based on a statement of present income and family size or of participation in a social services or welfare program.
(b)
There may not be discrimination in this program for elementary, junior high, and high school students.