Establishes the "Missouri Free School Meals Program" to reimburse schools for providing free breakfasts and lunches to all students

HB 873 establishes Missouri's "Free School Meals Program," requiring eligible public, charter, and private religious schools participating in the USDA National School Lunch Program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. Schools must meet specific poverty rate thresholds (based on USDA eligibility data) to qualify for the program. The state will reimburse schools for the difference between the federal meal reimbursement rate and the actual federal payment received, covering up to one free breakfast and one free lunch per student daily. This program directly affects schools serving students in districts with high poverty rates, ensuring no student pays for meals while aligning with federal nutrition standards.