Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6307
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-25: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-14T09:07:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to strengthen and extend federal support for an information clearinghouse focused on combating hunger. This clearinghouse, part of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, provides resources on food assistance programs. The bill enhances the clearinghouse's scope and secures its funding through fiscal year 2032 to promote better access to hunger prevention information.
Key Provisions
- Expanded Information Services: The clearinghouse must now include details on using trained volunteers in hunger relief efforts and provide resources specifically aimed at preventing hunger, building on its existing role in sharing information about food assistance programs.
- Funding Authorization: Allocates $750,000 annually for the clearinghouse operations from fiscal year 2026 through 2032. (Prior funding levels through 2025 remain unchanged by this bill.)
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Scope Enhancement: Amends Section 26(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g) to broaden the clearinghouse's mandate. Previously, it focused generally on food assistance information; now it explicitly covers volunteer utilization and hunger prevention strategies.
- Funding Extension and Increase: Updates Section 26(d) to extend funding beyond the previous end date of fiscal year 2027. Instead of ending then, it maintains support through 2025 at existing levels and introduces a higher annual appropriation of $750,000 for 2026–2032, replacing the prior structure.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the National School Lunch Program, will have sustained funding to maintain and expand the clearinghouse, potentially improving coordination of federal anti-hunger initiatives without needing frequent reauthorizations.
- On Citizens: Individuals and families facing food insecurity may benefit from more comprehensive resources, including volunteer opportunities and prevention tips, leading to better awareness and access to local food assistance programs.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic school nutrition and hunger programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the USDA, responsible for administering the clearinghouse.
- Educational Institutions: Public schools and local education agencies participating in the National School Lunch Program, which could use the enhanced resources for student nutrition support.
- Community Organizations: Anti-hunger nonprofits, volunteer groups, and food banks that may leverage the clearinghouse for training and information sharing.
- General Public: Low-income families, children, and volunteers involved in hunger relief efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward amendment to an existing federal nutrition law, ensuring continuity without introducing new regulatory burdens. It aligns with congressional authority under the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution to fund public welfare programs.
- Constitutional: No significant challenges; the bill promotes general welfare through education and nutrition support, a well-established federal role.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan interest in food security by extending funding amid ongoing concerns about child hunger, potentially serving as a model for future appropriations in education and social services bills. No major controversies are evident from the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-25: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-11-25: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-25 — PDF (2 pages)