Feed Our Kids Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8728
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-11: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-30T08:05:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 (H.R. 8728)
Purpose
The legislation aims to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all children in participating schools by amending the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. It expands access to nutritious meals, eliminates income-based pricing, bans practices like "meal shaming," and reimburses schools for existing unpaid meal debts.
Key Provisions
- Universal Free Meals:
- All enrolled children in participating schools receive free breakfasts and lunches.
- Reimbursement rates: $2.80 per free breakfast and $4.63 per free lunch (adjusted annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for food away from home; rounded to the nearest lower cent).
- Additional Incentives:
- Extra payments (e.g., $0.30 per free lunch) for schools using at least 25% locally sourced farm products (defined as products from within the state or within 250 miles).
- Prohibitions:
- Schools cannot collect debts for unpaid meals or "sham" children (e.g., no physical segregation, special tokens, or public lists identifying kids with debts).
- Related Programs Updates:
- Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and afterschool meals/supplements made free or expanded eligibility.
- Secretary of Agriculture can waive requirements to improve access.
- Debt Relief:
- One-time federal reimbursement for all "delinquent debt" (unpaid meal charges as of the effective date) within 180 days.
- Reporting:
- USDA report to Congress on program impacts (e.g., academic outcomes, nutrition access).
- Government Accountability Office report on debt reimbursement program.
- Effective Date: 1 year after enactment (some provisions, like debt bans, start immediately).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Eliminates Income Testing: Removes free/reduced-price categories; all meals are free (repeals Section 11 special assistance for low-income schools).
- Repeals/Modifies Sections: Ends reduced-price lunch pricing rules, certain eligibility certifications, and outdated provisions (e.g., direct certification mandates tied to meal programs).
- Conforming Amendments: Strikes "reduced price" references throughout both Acts; updates eligibility to "economically disadvantaged students" for some non-core programs.
- Expands Scope: Free meals/supplements in child care, afterschool, summer programs; prioritizes high-need/Tribal schools for fresh fruit/vegetable program.
Potential Impacts
- Citizens (Children/Parents): Universal access reduces hunger stigma, improves nutrition, potentially boosts academic performance (e.g., test scores, graduation); forgives existing meal debts.
- Schools/School Food Authorities: Simplified administration (no billing), higher reimbursements, but must meet nutrition standards; incentives encourage local sourcing.
- Government Agencies: USDA manages higher reimbursements, debt program, and reports; states disburse funds to schools. Increased federal spending (amounts unspecified).
- Local Economies: Boost for farmers via local product incentives.
- No International Relations Impact Noted.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: School children (all enrolled), parents/guardians (debt relief).
- Secondary: Public schools, school food authorities, state education agencies.
- Tertiary: USDA (Food and Nutrition Service), local farmers/producers, child care providers, afterschool programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Shifts from means-tested to universal entitlement, potentially simplifying compliance but requiring robust funding (no appropriation specified). Debt forgiveness may raise state/local budget questions.
- Constitutional: None explicitly challenged; aligns with Congress's spending power for child welfare/nutrition.
- Political: Promotes equity by removing poverty-based distinctions; could spark debates on federal costs vs. benefits for child health/education. Requires future reports for evaluation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-11: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-05-11: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Feed Our Kids Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-11 — PDF (34 pages)