IL SB2428

Schools participating in USDA child nutrition programs must provide federally reimbursable meals or snacks to any student who requests one, regardless of ability to pay or existing meal debt.

Schools cannot provide alternative meals to students unable to pay and cannot prohibit students from accessing meal services.

Schools may contact parents or guardians to collect debt exceeding the cost of 5 lunches and encourage enrollment in federal or state nutrition assistance programs.

School districts may seek debt collection through the State Comptroller for unpaid meal balances of $500 or more after one year of collection efforts.

Schools are prohibited from stigmatizing students who cannot pay through practices including wristbands, hand stamps, name posting, seating separation, or meal disposal requirements.