Virginia § 22.1-79.7 - School meal policies; donations
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.7 — School meal policies; donations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22.1-79.7. School meal policies; donations
A. 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 throw away or discard a meal after it has been served to him, do chores or other work to pay for such meals, or wear a wristband or hand stamp;
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;
3. Prohibit the school board from filing a lawsuit against a student or the student's parent because the student cannot pay for a meal at school or owes a school meal debt; and
4. Prohibit the school board or any school board employee from denying a student the opportunity to participate in any extracurricular school activity because the student cannot pay for a meal at school or owes a school meal debt.
B. Any school board may solicit and receive any donation or other funds for the purpose of eliminating or offsetting any school meal debt at any time and shall use any such funds solely for such purpose.
2018, cc. 384, 712; 2020, cc. 509, 575; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 106; 2022, c. 686.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 22.1-79.7
What does Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.7 cover?
Section 22.1-79.7 ("School meal policies; donations") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 22.1-79.7?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.7" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 22.1-79.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.