Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026
To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make breakfasts and lunches free for all children, and for other purposes.
This bill, HB8798, aims to amend existing laws to offer free breakfast and lunch to all children in school. This means that no child would have to pay for their meals at school, making it easier for families to provide nutritious food for their kids. The bill was introduced by a group of Democratic sponsors, with Ilhan Omar as the primary sponsor.
The proposed changes would affect all children in schools, ensuring they have access to free meals. This could help reduce food insecurity among children, improve their health and focus in school, and provide financial relief to families who currently pay for school meals.
As of the last update, the bill was introduced on May 13, 2026, and has been referred to several committees for further review. This means it is still in the early stages of the legislative process, and will need to go through multiple steps before it could become law.
