A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require mandatory certification for certain students and reduce stigma associated with unpaid school meal fees, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 s 5200, also known as the "School Lunch Certification Act," aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act in order to address the issue of unpaid school meal fees and reduce the stigma associated with them. The bill proposes mandatory certification for certain students, which would ensure that all eligible students receive free or reduced-price meals without having to disclose their financial status to their peers.

The main goal of this legislation is to promote equity and ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals regardless of their financial situation. By implementing mandatory certification, the bill seeks to streamline the process and remove any barriers that may prevent eligible students from receiving the assistance they need.

In addition to addressing the issue of unpaid school meal fees, the bill also aims to reduce the stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals. By requiring certification for all eligible students, the legislation seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment in schools. Overall, the School Lunch Certification Act is a step towards ensuring that all students have access to healthy meals and are able to focus on their education without the added stress of food insecurity. It is a bipartisan effort to improve the well-being of students and promote equality in the school lunch program.