MN SF5067

Prohibits school districts participating in the national school lunch program from using public or private collection agencies or third parties to collect unpaid school meals debt, effective July 1, 2024.

Requires school meals policies to be in writing and address whether the school uses collections agencies, maintaining student dignity by prohibiting lunch shaming or ostracizing practices.

Mandates that schools must serve free and reduced-price eligible students a reimbursable meal regardless of outstanding debt.

Cancels all unpaid student meal debt (school breakfast, school lunch, and a la carte sales) owed as of June 30, 2024, effective the day following enactment.

Exempts debt from adult food service sales and special function food sales from cancellation, and does not prevent schools from recording unpaid amounts for meals sold after June 30, 2024.