Improving Training for School Food Workers

Summary#

This bill would change the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (section 7(g)(2)(B)) to require rules about how local school food service training is offered. Training must be scheduled during regular, paid working hours when possible. Training should be offered in person when appropriate, include hands-on (experiential) learning, and be provided at no cost to food service personnel. If training must be scheduled outside regular paid hours, the bill requires efforts to explain why, consultation with staff to pick a minimally disruptive time, pay at the regular rate (including overtime if applicable), and a rule that staff cannot be penalized for not being able to attend. The bill also states it does not change other federal, state, or local laws about employer-employee relationships.

What it means for you#

• School food service workers: Trainings are meant to be during paid work hours when possible, include hands-on learning, be free to attend, and be paid if held outside normal hours. Workers should be consulted about scheduling, and they should not be punished for missing trainings they cannot attend.
• Local school employers: Schools and food service operators would need to schedule and provide training that meets these requirements, arrange payment when training happens outside work hours, and follow other applicable labor laws.
• General public: No changes to other existing federal, state, or local employer-employee rules are made by this bill.

Expenses#

The bill requires that workers be paid if training occurs outside regular paid hours and that training be provided at no cost to personnel. There is no publicly available information in the bill text or metadata about overall cost estimates, funding sources, or appropriations needed to implement these requirements.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.