FL S1610

Schools must provide free printed meal applications in enrollment packets or explain electronic application processes and allow free printed application requests in a language parents understand, with school assistance available if needed.

Schools must automatically complete and file meal applications for students identified as eligible for free or reduced-price meals who have not submitted applications themselves.

Schools must provide USDA reimbursable meals to students regardless of ability to pay or existing meal debt, unless parents provide written permission to withhold meals.

Schools are prohibited from throwing away served meals due to non-payment, publicly identifying students with meal debt, requiring students to do chores to pay for meals, or charging parents collection agency fees for meal debts.

School districts' homeless liaisons must coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to ensure homeless children and youths receive free and reduced-price meals, with additional requirements when students owe five or more meals.