Minimum Requirements For Non-Participation

High Schools may decline participation in the National School Lunch Program or the minimum nutrition standards established in this chapter through a district waiver request to the Department of Education provided that: (1) Schools must still provide free and reduced priced meals to qualifying students following the standards set forth by USDA; (2) The district complies with all other relevant provisions of T.C.A. § 49-6-2303; and (3) The district acknowledges that it will not receive federal or state funding for meals served at schools that are granted a waiver from participation in the National School Lunch program. Waivers must be submitted to the Department of Education prior to July 1 annually. Waivers will not be granted to any school serving students below grade 9. Waivers do not apply to snack food and beverages sold to students during the school day.