49513. To the extent that school districts have an operational program of school meals for pupils, the program authorized by this article shall be integrated with such existing service.
In order to extend the program to those pupils attending schools which do not operate a school lunch program and are unable or unwilling to provide meals required by this article, contracts shall be entered into with nonprofit organizations, other public agencies or proprietary agencies. In making such contracts, special consideration shall be given to utilizing the Business Enterprises Program for the Blind established under Article 5 (commencing with Section 19625) of Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Such contracts shall be negotiated, approved and supervised by the Department of Education and terminated as soon as feasible upon certification by the Department of Education that the local school district or school is able and willing to establish a food service program.
(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 825, Sec. 22. Effective October 9, 1997.)