REVIEW OF LOCAL POLICIES ON MEAL CHARGES AND PROVISION OF ALTERNATE MEALS.

SEC. 143. [42 U.S.C. 1758 note] REVIEW OF LOCAL POLICIES ON MEAL CHARGES AND PROVISION OF ALTERNATE MEALS. (a) In General.— (1) Review.—The Secretary, in conjunction with States and participating local educational agencies, shall examine the current policies and practices of States and local educational agencies regarding extending credit to children to pay the cost to the children of reimbursable school lunches and breakfasts. (2) Scope.—The examination under paragraph (1) shall include the policies and practices in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act relating to providing to children who are without funds a meal other than the reimbursable meals. (3) Feasibility.—In carrying out the examination under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) prepare a report on the feasibility of establishing national standards for meal charges and the provision of alternate meals; and (B) provide recommendations for implementing those standards. (b) Followup Actions.— (1) In general.—Based on the findings and recommendations under subsection (a), the Secretary may— (A) implement standards described in paragraph (3) of that subsection through regulation; (B) test recommendations through demonstration projects; or (C) study further the feasibility of recommendations. (2) Factors for consideration.—In determining how best to implement recommendations described in subsection (a)(3), the Secretary shall consider such factors as— (A) the impact of overt identification on children; (B) the manner in which the affected households will be provided with assistance in establishing eligibility for free or reduced price school meals; and (C) the potential financial impact on local educational agencies. * * * * * * *