(a) In recognition of the demonstrated correlation between good nutrition and the capacity of children to develop and learn, and to more effectively meet the institutional needs of the children of the Virgin Islands, the Commissioner of Education is hereby authorized and directed to conduct special nutrition programs, including school lunches. Such programs shall be developed and conducted in full compliance with federal requirements for special nutrition programs. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing programs which would disqualify the Virgin Islands from maximum federal funding of special nutrition programs under Title 42, Chapters 13 and 13A, United States Code, or any future amendments thereto.
(b) The Virgin Islands Department of Education is hereby designated the “State Agency” for administration of special nutrition programs within the meaning of that term under applicable federal law. The Commissioner of Education may consult with the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Economic Development and Agriculture, administrators of charitable institutions, and the Commissioner of Human Services in administering the provisions of this chapter in order to maximize the effective delivery of services under the programs required by this chapter.
(c) The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the respective Insular Superintendents, shall designate within each district, a “school food authority” within the meaning of applicable federal law. Each “school food authority” shall be responsible for the administration of special nutrition programs within their respective districts.