Outline of the state of Virginia
State
Virginia
Prohibits denying meals

Category
Unpaid Meal Charge Policy—Supports Students

Category
Unpaid Meal Charge Policy—Supports Students

State law establishes a policy regarding unpaid meal charges that prohibits shaming and/or denying meals.

Code of Virginia 22.1-79.7. School meal policies.

Each local school board shall adopt policies that:

  1. Prohibit school board employees from requiring a student who cannot pay for a meal at school or who owes a school meal debt to do chores or other work to pay for such meals or wear a wristband or hand stamp; and

  2. Require school board employees to direct any communication relating to a school meal debt to the student's parent. Such policy may permit such communication to be made by a letter addressed to the parent to be sent home with the student.

Policy Type
Statute