Delaware’s Universal Breakfast Bill: Bright Start for Every Student

November 6, 2025

Delaware educators, parents, and students alike are celebrating the recent passage of the Universal Breakfast Bill — officially House Bill Substitute 1 for HB 91 — which provides free breakfast for all public-school students statewide.

Just two months into the school year, child nutrition supervisors across districts are already seeing the difference — both in the number of breakfasts served and in the smiles of students starting their days nourished and ready to learn.

A Major Step Toward Equity

Before this legislation, breakfast programs operated on a sliding scale: some students paid full price, others received reduced-price meals, and those qualifying for assistance ate for free. While many schools participated in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) — which allows certain schools to serve free meals to all students — not every district met the federal requirements.

To qualify for CEP, a school must have an Identified Student Percentage (ISP) of at least 25 percent, meaning that at least one in four students automatically qualifies for free meals through federal benefit programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

House Bill Substitute 1 for HB 91 fills the gap for those schools that don’t meet CEP thresholds, ensuring all public-school students can enjoy breakfast at no cost, regardless of family income.

State Rep. Kim Williams, the Joint Finance Commission chair, steered funding for the measure through the legislative channels. “We didn’t have to find the money,” she said. As the mom of two adult children, she recognizes the importance of students having food to start the day. “It’s a balance of needs and what we have funding for,” she added, noting that she is working with state Rep. Rae Moore to fund universal school lunches.

“Breakfast got done quickly, but we’ll keep working on it. It’s a big-ticket item. We don’t want kids to go hungry.”

“We Want to Feed More” — Appointment School District

Few people are as enthusiastic about the new law as Lauren Schroeder, RN, LDN, Supervisor of School Nutrition for the Appoquinimink School District.

“Now, everyone can have breakfast. It’s greatly increased participation. It’s a wonderful thing. We want to feed more,” said Schroeder.

Her team has worked hard to make sure every meal meets high nutrition standards. “We took a deep dive into the nutritional guidelines. Our breakfasts are protein-forward with lower sugar content — ahead of the current standards,” she explained.

The impact has been immediate: “We’re serving over 600 more breakfasts daily than last year. It’s very exciting for our district. It makes us so happy — it’s a great start to their day.”

Appoquinimink uses a mixed model to make breakfast accessible to all students. Elementary schools offer grab-and-go meals eaten in the classroom, while middle and high school students eat in the cafeteria — though late arrivals can still take their meals to class. “We use this platform as an opportunity to start the day,” said Schroeder.

Growth and Gratitude in Indian River School District

For Clifton Toomey, Child Nutrition Supervisor for the Indian River School District, the change has been equally powerful.

“Previously, we used the traditional claiming method — paid, reduced, and free breakfasts,” Toomey said. “Now, the state picks up the costs regardless of family income. I think the worst conversations I had were with single parents struggling to make ends meet who didn’t qualify for free meals. It’s wonderful — and we’re very pleased.”

Participation in Indian River’s breakfast program has jumped dramatically, from around 3,250 –3,500 breakfasts per day last September to about 4,000 now. Each school chooses the distribution model that works best for its layout and students — whether traditional cafeteria service or grab-and-go.

“We welcome this change and expect participation to keep growing,” Toomey added. “It’s great that legislators understand the needs.”

Breakfast and the Bigger Picture

For Gloria Ho, social worker at Milton Elementary School and Delaware’s representative on the National Education Association board, the benefits go beyond nutrition.

“We know having breakfast available sets the tone for a good day and supports mental wellness,” Ho explained. “Teachers notice less anxiety and fewer meltdowns. One mom told me mornings were always the hardest time for her family — getting out the door on time. She said having breakfast at school lifted a huge stress. Breakfast offers peace of mind.”

“A Big Win, 10 Years in the Making”

According to Aimee Beam, MS, RD, Director of the Nutrition Programs Workgroup at the Delaware Department of Education, the new law fills a critical gap for non-CEP schools.

“It’s the piece of the puzzle that made breakfast covered for all public schools,” she said. “It’s a big win — 10 years in the making. The state is supporting food and nutrition as a positive impact on learning.”

Beam added that all school meals will continue to meet federal nutrition standards, including limits on sugar and sodium.

As Delaware schools continue to implement the Universal Breakfast program, one thing is clear: a healthy start leads to a stronger day — and a stronger future — for every student.