WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 5655

No Shame at School Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Nanette Barragán and 45 co-sponsors

The No Shame at School Act ensures eligible students receive free meals without stigma, mandates certification, and protects them from public identification and food disposal.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 5655

Summary of HR 5655: No Shame at School Act of 2025

Bill Number: HR 5655
Introduced: September 30, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: Ilhan Omar
Cosponsors: 36 additional members of Congress

Purpose and Intent

The No Shame at School Act of 2025 aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Its primary goals are to:
- Require mandatory certification for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
- Reduce the stigma associated with unpaid school meal fees, ensuring that no child is publicly identified or shamed due to their meal payment status.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing legislation:

1. Mandatory Certification

  • Amendment to Certification Process: The bill mandates that local educational agencies must certify eligible students for free or reduced-price meals, removing any discretionary elements from the process.

2. Retroactive Reimbursement

  • Reimbursement for Meal Claims: Local educational agencies are required to revise meal claims retroactively to reflect eligibility for free or reduced-price meals from the first day of the current school year.

3. Reducing Stigma

  • Prohibition of Overt Identification: Schools cannot physically segregate or overtly identify students who are eligible for free meals. This includes prohibiting the use of special tokens, tickets, or public announcements that could identify these students.
  • Communication Restrictions: Schools are restricted from communicating unpaid meal fees to students directly and cannot withhold educational opportunities or use debt collectors for unpaid fees.
  • Food Disposal Prohibition: Schools cannot take away food that has already been served to students due to unpaid meal fees.

4. Support for Households

  • Direct Certification Efforts: For households with unpaid meal fees, schools must attempt to directly certify children for free meals or provide application materials to encourage families to apply for assistance.

Who Would Be Affected?

The bill primarily impacts:
- Students: Particularly those enrolled in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
- Local Educational Agencies: Schools and school food authorities will need to adjust their policies and procedures to comply with the new requirements.
- Households: Families with children who have unpaid meal fees will receive more support and less stigma in accessing meal programs.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Review: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.
  • Legislative Timeline: Introduced on September 30, 2025, the bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Conclusion

The No Shame at School Act of 2025 seeks to create a more equitable school meal program by ensuring that all eligible students receive the meals they need without the burden of stigma or shame. By mandating certification and protecting students' dignity, the bill aims to foster a supportive educational environment for all children.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.