This bill mandates the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to create and provide an Internet-based application for the National School Lunch Program and school breakfast programs. The legislation amends existing law to require that each school and school district publicizes the availability of these meal programs and the qualifications for free or reduced-price meals. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality for subsidized students and encourages schools to facilitate the application process for both categorically eligible and income-eligible students.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a school district or nonprofit nonpublic school currently has an Internet-based application for these meal programs, they must transition to the new application developed by the Department of Agriculture within one year of the bill's enactment. Schools are also required to continue offering paper applications alongside the new online option. This initiative aims to streamline the enrollment process for eligible students and enhance access to school meal programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:33-11