AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

HB 8094 temporarily waives Rhode Island's requirement that half of the grain servings in public school meals be whole grain. This change applies to all elementary, middle, and high schools for a two-year period ending on August 29, 2026, allowing schools to serve grains that do not meet the whole grain standard while still receiving federal reimbursement. The bill also mandates that school administrators report the number of meals served under this waiver to state officials by September 1, 2026. While the state's usual health standards for competitive foods remain in place, this specific provision relaxes the whole grain rule to provide schools with more flexibility in their meal planning during the specified timeframe.