Ariz. legislation would allow schools to opt out of free and reduced program

Jan. 17—An Arizona Senate panel is weighing the option of allowing students schools to opt out of the federal program to offer free and reduced-price lunches for needy students. Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, said the state should not be imposing these mandates on public schools. He said the decision whether to participate in the National School Lunch Program —and deal with the various restrictions—is best left to local school officials.