The House of Representatives has approved the $16 billion Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act, which would reauthorize several federal nutrition programs. The Senate is still working on its version. Here are some of the changes to the school breakfast and lunch programs under the House bill:
- Students whose families receive food stamps would automatically be certified to receive free or reduced-price meals; schools would have to notify such families of their eligibility.
- Certification for the free or reduced-price lunches would be valid for one year, regardless of changes in family income.
- Participating schools would not be required to sell whole milk, as most must now. They could offer a choice of different types of milk.
- Parents would be permitted to submit a single application for multiple children.