NC S389

Transfers the Child Nutrition Program and Child Nutrition Services from the Department of Public Instruction to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services effective July 1, 2011 as a Type I transfer.

Amends Chapter 115C to change oversight authority for school food service standards from the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Board of Agriculture.

Establishes new authority in Chapter 106 for the Board of Agriculture to develop statewide nutrition standards for school meals, requiring middle schools to meet basic standards by 2011-2012 and high schools thereafter.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to assume jurisdiction over the federally-supported National School Lunch Program with full federal waiver and approval from the USDA.

Mandates cooperation between both departments during transition to ensure continuity of child nutrition services, including transfer of financial systems, direct certification processes for meal eligibility, and existing procurement partnerships.