The Deptford School District landed in hot water this month after announcing it wouldThe state ordered the South Jersey district last week to immediately suspend the policy, under which students were served peanut butter and jelly or cheese sandwiches until bills were paid.What happened in Deptford with the unpaid meals policy?
But the change ignited a social media debate and landed the district in hot water with the state Department of Agriculture, which oversees New Jersey’s school lunch programs.in 2020 prohibits schools from publicly identifying or shaming students with delinquent meal accounts. Schools can’t require those students
Families apply for the program annually. The following students are eligible for free or reduced lunch:Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or courtChildren who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant Under that legislation, all students would get a free lunch, regardless of household income. The bill cleared an Assembly committee in June. It still requires approval by the full Senate and Assembly before going to Gov. Phil Murphy, where it can become law.According to the state, districts may “make the difficult decision” of whether to inform the Department of Children and Families about the lack of meals.