Combat Student Hunger Resources

During the 2025 Utah Legislative Session, House Bill 100 (HB100): Food Security Amendments was signed into law (Utah Code 53F-2-423) to help ensure more Utah students have access to nutritious school meals.

Supporting Successful Implementation of HB100

HB100 eliminates the reduced-price lunch charge for eligible students, helping an estimated 40,000 Utah students access school lunch at no cost while strengthening protections that preserve student dignity and reduce meal-related stigma. Although HB100 eliminates the reduced-price lunch charge, families must still complete the annual Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application to determine eligibility and ensure schools receive appropriate funding.

The Policy Project works alongside the Utah State Board of Education, school nutrition professionals, educators, and community partners to support successful implementation of HB100. This resource hub provides tools, guidance, and information to help schools comply with the law, support families, and maximize the impact of this investment in Utah students.

Why HB100 Matters

When students have reliable access to nutritious meals, they are better prepared to learn, participate, and succeed in school. HB100 helps:

  • Reduce financial barriers for working families

  • Increase access to nutritious meals

  • Protect student dignity through anti-stigmatization requirements

  • Support positive educational outcomes

  • Leverage federal school meal funding to maximize impact

Implementation Toolkit

Toolkit Resources

The Combat Student Hunger Toolkit includes practical resources to help districts, charter schools, and school nutrition teams implement HB100 and support student access to school meals.

  • HB100 Family FAQ & Information Guide: A ready-to-share resource that helps families understand:

    • What changed under HB100

    • Who qualifies for meal benefits

    • Why annual meal applications still matter

    • Student protections under the law

    • Common questions about eligibility and meal accounts

  • School Meal Application Guidance: A ready-to-share resource that helps families understand the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application process. This resource Includes:

    • Who should apply

    • Why annual applications still matter

    • Required application information

    • Step-by-step guidance for completing the form

    • Common questions about eligibility and household income

  • Sample Meal Debt Communication Policy: A customizable policy template designed to help LEAs align local practices with HB100 requirements. This sample policy includes:

    • Parent-directed communication guidance

    • Anti-stigmatization requirements

    • Sample policy language

    • Implementation recommendations

  • LEA Nutrition Director Survey: Help us understand how HB100 is working across Utah schools. Survey feedback will help:

    • Identify implementation challenges

    • Inform future resources and training

    • Highlight successful practices

    • Measure statewide impact

  • COMING SOON - Food Waste Reduction Resources: HB100 encourages schools to implement strategies that reduce food waste and maximize access to nutritious food. Future resources will include:

    • Share table best practices

    • Examples from Utah schools

    • Food waste reduction strategies

    • Lessons learned from current pilot programs

  • COMING SOON - School Nutrition Association of Utah Summer 2026 Conference Presentation Slides: Policy in Action presentation from the June 2026 SNAU conference for school nutrition administrators and staff

  • HB100 Impact Report: HB100 has already demonstrated strong statewide adoption and reach. Explore statewide implementation progress, participation data, lessons learned, and the impact of HB100 on Utah students and families.

    Mid-Year Highlights

    • 37,000+ students enrolled in the reduced-price meal program

    • 1.2 million+ lunches reimbursed through February 2026

    • 96 of 107 Utah LEAs enrolled in the reimbursement program

    • Approximately 99% of eligible reduced-price meals covered statewide

    • Funding secured through the 2026–27 school year

Let us help you!

The Policy Project is here to support Utah schools, school nutrition professionals, and community partners as they work to combat student hunger. Please reach out with questions, implementation challenges, or ideas for additional resources. Contact lindsay@thepolicyproject.org.