No Shame at School Act of 2022

No Shame at School Act of 2022

This bill establishes requirements for the treatment of a child who is participating in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program and owes unpaid school meal fees. It also requires local educational agencies to certify certain children (e.g., homeless children) as categorically eligible for free lunches or breakfasts without an application.

Bill 117 HR 8477, also known as the No Shame at School Act of 2022, aims to address the issue of "lunch shaming" in schools across the United States. Lunch shaming occurs when students are publicly embarrassed or denied a meal because of unpaid school meal debts.

The bill prohibits schools from taking any actions that would stigmatize or discriminate against students with unpaid meal debts. This includes practices such as requiring students to wear wristbands or hand stamps, or singling them out in front of their peers.

Additionally, the bill requires schools to communicate directly with parents or guardians about unpaid meal debts, rather than involving the students themselves. Schools must also provide information about free and reduced-price meal programs to eligible families. Furthermore, the bill prohibits schools from denying meals to students as a form of punishment for unpaid meal debts. Schools are required to provide a meal to any student who requests one, regardless of their ability to pay. Overall, the No Shame at School Act of 2022 seeks to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals without fear of embarrassment or discrimination. By addressing lunch shaming in schools, the bill aims to promote a positive and inclusive school environment for all students.