New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1928

Introduced
3/3/22  
Refer
3/3/22  
Report Pass
6/13/22  
Refer
6/13/22  

Caption

Requires school food authorities to engage in public education campaigns and develop promotional materials to educate parents and guardians of students about existing and expanding school meals programs options.

Impact

This legislation amends a prior law and is focused on promoting the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and related initiatives in the state. By facilitating the development of promotional materials and educational outreach, Senate Bill 1928 seeks to increase participation in these programs, which is crucial for improving student health and academic success. The bill also aims to ensure that families are aware of their rights and the processes associated with securing subsidized meals.

Summary

Senate Bill 1928, introduced in New Jersey, aims to enhance public awareness and understanding of available school meals programs by requiring school food authorities to implement educational campaigns. The bill mandates that these campaigns be tailored to the two most commonly spoken languages in the communities served, ensuring accessibility for diverse populations. It emphasizes the importance of informing parents and guardians about various meal programs, including free and reduced-price meals that are available based on income eligibility criteria.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Senate Bill 1928 appears generally positive, as it seeks to address significant public health and educational concerns. Supporters argue that enhancing awareness about school meals will benefit students and families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The focus on using multiple languages in outreach enhances inclusivity, reflecting an understanding of community diversity. However, some concerns may arise about the adequacy of funding for such educational initiatives and whether the execution will meet the intended goals.

Contention

Although specific points of contention were not highlighted in the discussions available, potential issues may include the efficacy of the outreach strategies proposed and the extent to which school food authorities will be supported in implementing these campaigns. Additionally, there may be questions regarding the consistency of promotional materials and whether they adequately reflect the needs and languages of the specific communities they serve. Ensuring uniformity in communication while catering to diverse populations is a challenge that the bill anticipates addressing.

Companion Bills

NJ A2365

Same As Requires school food authorities to engage in public education campaigns and develop promotional materials to educate parents and guardians of students about existing and expanding school meals program options.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2365

Requires school food authorities to engage in public education campaigns and develop promotional materials to educate parents and guardians of students about existing and expanding school meals program options.

NJ S4055

Requires certain nonpublic schools to provide meals to all students under "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act"; authorizes limited expansion of income eligibility to qualify public and nonpublic school students for free lunch.

NJ A5684

Requires certain nonpublic schools to provide meals to all students under "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act"; authorizes limited expansion of income eligibility to qualify public and nonpublic school students for free lunch.

NJ A3126

Requires certain nonpublic schools to provide meals to all students under "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act"; authorizes limited expansion of income eligibility to qualify public and nonpublic school students for free lunch.

NJ A5279

Requires Departments of Agriculture and Education to cooperatively implement new "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative to promote and facilitate increased procurement and use of local and regional foods for school meals program purposes.

NJ A4680

Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals.

NJ S3956

Requires schools and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.

NJ A5573

Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.

NJ S3767

Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires school district provide information to parents and guardians on swim lessons.

NJ A3123

Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.

Similar Bills

CA SB265

Pupil meals: Child Hunger Prevention and Fair Treatment Act of 2017.

NJ A2365

Requires school food authorities to engage in public education campaigns and develop promotional materials to educate parents and guardians of students about existing and expanding school meals program options.

CA AB3053

State-supported fairs: exhibits: regulations.

CA SB250

Pupil meals: Child Hunger Prevention and Fair Treatment Act of 2017.

NJ A5573

Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.

NJ S3956

Requires schools and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.

NJ A2368

Requires schools to provide free school breakfasts and lunches to students from working class, middle-income families; designated as "Working Class Families' Anti-Hunger Act."

NJ S1677

Requires schools to provide free school breakfasts and lunches to students from working class, middle-income families; designated as "Working Class Families' Anti-Hunger Act."