Ending Shame for Unpaid School Meals: Protecting Children's Dignity
This act aims to protect children from being shamed at school due to unpaid meal fees. Schools will be prohibited from publicly identifying or penalizing children whose parents owe money for meals. Additionally, the act makes it easier for schools to get reimbursed for meals provided to children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, even if their eligibility is approved later.
Key points
No public shaming: Schools cannot segregate, publicly announce names, or otherwise identify children with unpaid meal balances.
Protection from penalties: Children cannot be denied educational opportunities (e.g., grades, extracurricular activities) due to unpaid meal fees.
Easier access to free meals: Schools must actively help families apply for free or reduced-price meal status if they have outstanding balances.
No food disposal: Schools cannot dispose of or take away food that has already been served to a child, even if parents owe money.
Retroactive reimbursement for schools: Schools can be reimbursed for meals provided to children who are later approved for free or reduced-price meals, even if the approval occurs after the school year begins.
Expired
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