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 bill amends existing law to specify that school districts must publicize the availability of these programs and make efforts to utilize the new online application. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that income-eligible students are not stigmatized in the school environment, proposing measures such as a meal plan or voucher system to maintain anonymity.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any school district or nonprofit nonpublic school currently using an Internet-based application must transition to the newly developed application within one year of the bill's enactment. It also requires that paper applications remain available alongside the online option. The act is designed to streamline the application process for eligible students while promoting inclusivity and accessibility in school meal programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:33-11