NC H946

Appropriates $5,000,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2019-2020 fiscal year to provide free lunch to students eligible for reduced-price lunch in North Carolina public schools.

Allocates funds to each public school unit based on monthly reimbursement claims that include the number of reduced-price meals served.

Authorizes the State Board of Education to use State Aid for Public Schools funds if the $5 million appropriation is insufficient to cover costs.

Prohibits schools from publicly identifying or stigmatizing students unable to pay for meals through methods such as wristbands or hand stamps.

Requires schools to direct all communications about student meal debt to parents or guardians rather than directly to students.