Bill > HR8509

This bill establishes a National Advisory Council on Unpaid Meal Debt in Child Nutrition Programs. The Council is composed of 14 members appointed by the Secretary, including school nutrition state agency directors, school food service directors, officials from the Food and Nutrition Service, parents or guardians of children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, organizations with expertise in school meal programs, and food service professionals who work in school cafeterias. The Council is tasked with providing recommendations to the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service on addressing unpaid school meal fees in a way that avoids stigmatizing students and ensures the long-term viability of school meal programs. The bill also authorizes appropriations to cover the Council's expenses, including travel and personal expenses for parent or guardian members.