A bill in the South Carolina State House is pushing for districts to opt into the federal program that provides free and reduced-price school lunches for low-income students. Currently, few districts in the state have opted in, leading to concerns about students being penalized for meal debt. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tom Davis, seeks to expand access to the National School Lunch Program to ensure all qualifying students can receive meals at a reduced price or for free.
Supporters of the bill argue that providing students with adequate nutrition is crucial for their academic success and well-being. The bill would also ban meal shaming, where students with meal debt are publicly identified or punished. The measure aims to reduce paperwork and administrative burdens for schools by requiring qualifying districts to participate in the federal program.
South Carolina has a high number of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, with 70% of students qualifying in the 2022-2023 school year. While participation in the program is currently enforced through a temporary budget proviso, the bill would make it state law.
If passed, the bill would require districts to notify parents of qualifying students and provide them with an application. Schools would have the option to opt out if they can demonstrate a significant financial burden. The new requirements would take effect for the upcoming school year, ensuring that all eligible students have access to nutritious meals without being stigmatized for meal debt.
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