SC S0425

Requires each public school district to annually identify students living in poverty based on eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF benefits, or status as homeless, transient, or in foster care

Mandates school boards in districts eligible for the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to adopt a resolution indicating their level of participation or demonstrate financial hardship preventing participation

Prohibits schools from publicly identifying or penalizing students who cannot pay for meals or accrue meal debt, including bans on denying meals, serving alternative meals, requiring work for food, or withholding diplomas and transcripts

Requires districts to ensure parents of eligible students receive free and reduced lunch applications with instructions and assistance upon request

Limits meal debt communications to parents or guardians only, which may be sent home through the student