2020 Arkansas Code
Title 6 - Education
Subtitle 2 - Elementary and Secondary Education Generally
Chapter 18 - Students
Subchapter 7 - Health
§ 6-18-715. Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act — Definition

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act”.

(b) As used in this section, “school” means a tax-supported kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public school that participates in the United States Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program.

(c) A school shall not:

1. (1) Provide a student requesting a meal or snack under this section a meal or snack that is different from the meal or snack being provided to other students in the school; or

2. (2) Prevent a student from accessing the school's meal or snack services.

(d) If a student owes money for a meal or snack that is in excess of the amount charged a student for five (5) lunches, or another amount as determined by the student's school district, a school may contact the parent or guardian of the student to:

1. (1) Attempt collection of the owed money; and

2. (2) Request that the parent or guardian apply for meal benefits in a federal or state child nutrition program.

(e) If a student is unable to pay for a meal or snack or owes money for a meal or snack, a school shall not:

1. (1) Require the student to wear a wristband;

2. (2) Give the student a hand stamp;

3. (3) Require the student to dispose of a meal or snack after the student is served the meal or snack;

4. (4) Require the student to sit in a location separate from other students;

5. (5) Publicly make known the name of the student; or

6. (6) Perform any other action that may stigmatize the student.

(f)

1. (1) The Child Nutrition Unit shall:

   1. (A) Implement a system for reviewing the local practices of public school district food service programs to determine the support needed by public school districts; and

   2. (B) Provide model policies that public school districts may adopt.

2. (2) The system of review established under subdivision (f)(1)(A) of this section shall address areas regarding without limitation:

   1. (A) Ideas, innovations, and best practices for providing meals to vulnerable populations that contribute to the health and well-being of public school students;

   2. (B) Resources and strategies for improving the nutritional quality and appeal of meals;

   3. (C) Tips for implementing best practices;

   4. (D) Methods for informing parents and legal guardians of a public school district's meal charge policies; and

   5. (E) Plans for recovering costs for meal charges.