New bill seeks to ban lunch shaming in Missouri

A new bill introduced in Missouri would ban lunch shaming in the state.

Under House Bill No. 2433, schools would have to provide students with a meal even if they are unable pay.

If a student owes money for five or more meals, schools must first determine if that student is eligible for free or reduced-price meals and then must contact the student’s parent or guardian at least twice to offer assistance with filling out a meal application and other help as needed.

Schools would be allowed to send a note home with students addressed to parents or guardians, but not to "publicly identify or stigmatize" those students.

The bill would also prohibit schools from using a debt collector to retrieve money from families that are behind on school meal payments.