H.R. 8798

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8798 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8798

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.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 13, 2026

Ms. Omar (for herself, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr. 
Aguilar, Mr. Amo, Ms. Ansari, Mr. Auchincloss, Ms. Balint, Ms. 
Barragan, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Brownley, Ms. 
Budzinski, Mr. Carson, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Casar, Mr. Casten, 
Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Craig, Ms. DelBene, Mr. 
DeSaulnier, Ms. Dexter, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Ms. 
Friedman, Mr. Frost, Mr. Garamendi, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. Garcia of 
Illinois, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mr. Gomez, Mr. Gottheimer, Mrs. 
Grijalva, Mr. Huffman, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. 
Jayapal, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Ms. Kelly of 
Illinois, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, 
Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lynch, Mr. 
Magaziner, Ms. Matsui, Mrs. McBath, Ms. McCollum, Mr. McGarvey, Mrs. 
McIver, Mr. Menefee, Ms. Meng, Mr. Morelle, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Mullin, 
Mr. Nadler, Mr. Neal, Mr. Norcross, Ms. Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. 
Pallone, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Plaskett, Mr. Pocan, Ms. 
Pressley, Mr. Quigley, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Raskin, Ms. Salinas, Ms. 
Sanchez, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Simon, Mr. Smith of Washington, Ms. 
Stansbury, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Tonko, Mr. 
Vargas, Ms. Velazquez, Mrs. Watson Coleman, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) 
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on 
Agriculture, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

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.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Universal School 
Meals Program Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Effective date.
TITLE I--SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Sec. 101. Free school breakfast program.
TITLE II--SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Sec. 201. Apportionment to States.
Sec. 202. Nutritional and other program requirements.
Sec. 203. Special assistance program.
Sec. 204. Price for a paid lunch.
Sec. 205. Summer food service program for children.
Sec. 206. Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children Program.
Sec. 207. Child and adult care food program.
Sec. 208. Meals and supplements for children in afterschool care.
Sec. 209. Pilot projects.
Sec. 210. Fresh fruit and vegetable program.
Sec. 211. Training, technical assistance, and Food Service Management 
Institute.
Sec. 212. Reimbursement of school meal delinquent debt program.
Sec. 213. Conforming amendments.
TITLE III--ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION DATA

Sec. 301. Measure of poverty.
TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER PROGRAMS AND LAWS

Sec. 401. Supplemental nutrition assistance program.
Sec. 402. Higher Education Act of 1965.
Sec. 403. Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
Sec. 404. America COMPETES Act.
Sec. 405. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Sec. 406. National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002.
Sec. 407. Child care and development block grant.
Sec. 408. Children's Health Act of 2000.
Sec. 409. Juvenile justice and delinquency prevention.

SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Unless otherwise provided, this Act, and the amendments made by 
this Act, shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act.

TITLE I--SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM

SEC. 101. FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Section 4(a) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 
(42 U.S.C. 1773(a)) is amended, in the first sentence--
(1) by striking ``is hereby'' and inserting ``are''; and
(2) by inserting ``to provide free breakfast to all 
children enrolled at those schools'' before ``in accordance''.
(b) Apportionment to States.--Section 4(b) of the Child Nutrition 
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking subclause 
(II) and inserting the following:
``(II) the national average payment for free 
breakfasts, as specified in subparagraph (B).'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
following:
``(B) Payment amounts.--
``(i) In general.--The national average 
payment for each free breakfast shall be $3.28, 
adjusted annually for inflation in accordance 
with clause (ii) and rounded in accordance with 
clause (iii).
``(ii) Inflation adjustment.--
``(I) In general.--The annual 
inflation adjustment under clause (i) 
shall reflect changes in the cost of 
operating the free breakfast program 
under this section, as indicated by the 
change in the Consumer Price Index for 
food away from home for all urban 
consumers.
``(II) Basis.--Each inflation 
annual adjustment under clause (i) 
shall reflect the changes in the 
Consumer Price Index for food away from 
home for the most recent 12-month 
period for which that data is 
available.
``(iii) Rounding.--On July 1, 2026, and 
annually thereafter, the national average 
payment rate for free breakfast shall be--
``(I) adjusted to the nearest 
lower-cent increment; and
``(II) based on the unrounded 
amounts for the preceding 12-month 
period.'';
(C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (E); and
(D) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as 
subparagraph (C);
(2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs 
(2) and (3), respectively; and
(4) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking 
``paragraph (3) or (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''.
(c) State Disbursement to Schools.--Section 4 of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) is amended by striking 
subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) State Disbursement to Schools.--Funds apportioned and paid to 
any State for the purpose of this section shall be disbursed by the 
State educational agency to schools selected by the State educational 
agency to assist those schools in operating a breakfast program.''.
(d) No Collection of Debt.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) or any 
other provision of law, effective beginning on the date of 
enactment of this Act, as a condition of participation in the 
breakfast program under section 4 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1773), 
a school--
(A) shall not collect any debt owed to the school 
for unpaid meal charges; and
(B) shall continue to accrue debt for unpaid meal 
charges--
(i) for the purpose of receiving 
reimbursement under section 212; and
(ii) until the effective date specified in 
section 2.
(2) Child nutrition act of 1966.--
(A) In general.--Section 4 of the Child Nutrition 
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) is amended by striking 
subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) No Collection of Debt.--A school participating in the free 
breakfast program under this section shall not collect any debt owed to 
the school for unpaid meal charges.''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 23(a) of the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1793(a)) is 
amended by striking ``school in severe need, as 
described in section 4(d)(1)'' and inserting the 
following: ``school--
``(1) that has a free breakfast program under section 4 or 
seeks to initiate a free breakfast program under that section; 
and
``(2) of which not less than 40 percent of the students are 
economically disadvantaged students (as identified under a 
measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5))).''.
(e) Nutritional and Other Program Requirements.--Section 4(e) of 
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), in the second sentence, by 
striking ``free or'' and all that follows through the period at 
the end and inserting ``free to all children enrolled at a 
school participating in the school breakfast program.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), in the second sentence, by striking 
``the full charge to the student for a breakfast meeting the 
requirements of this section or''.
(f) Prohibition on Breakfast Shaming, Meal Denial.--
(1) In general.--Effective beginning on the date of 
enactment of this Act, a school or school food authority--
(A) shall not--
(i) physically segregate for the purpose of 
debt shaming or otherwise discriminate against 
any child participating in the breakfast 
program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition 
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773); or
(ii) overtly identify a child described in 
clause (i) by a special token or ticket, an 
announced or published list of names, or any 
other means; and
(B) shall provide the program meal to any child 
eligible under the program.
(2) Child nutrition act of 1966.--Section 4 of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:
``(f) Prohibition on Breakfast Shaming.--A school or school food 
authority shall not--
``(1) physically segregate for the purpose of debt shaming 
or otherwise discriminate against any child participating in 
the free breakfast program under this section; or
``(2) overtly identify a child described in paragraph (1) 
by a special token or ticket, an announced or published list of 
names, or any other means.''.
(g) Department of Defense Overseas Dependents' Schools.--Section 
20(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1789(b)) is amended 
by striking ``and shall determine'' and all that follows through 
``under this section.''.
(h) Conforming Amendments.--The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 
U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or reduced price'' each place it appears;
(2) by striking ``and reduced price'' each place it 
appears; and
(3) by striking ``a reduced price'' each place it appears.

TITLE II--SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

SEC. 201. APPORTIONMENT TO STATES.

Section 4(b) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1753(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Payment amounts.--
``(A) In general.--The national average payment for 
each free lunch shall be $5.42, adjusted annually for 
inflation in accordance with subparagraph (C) and 
rounded in accordance with subparagraph (D).
``(B) Additional payment for local food.--
``(i) Definition of locally-sourced farm 
product.--In this subparagraph, the term 
`locally-sourced farm product' means a farm 
product that--
``(I) is marketed to consumers--
``(aa) directly; or
``(bb) through 
intermediated channels (such as 
food hubs and cooperatives); 
and
``(II) with respect to the school 
food authority purchasing the farm 
product, is produced and distributed--
``(aa) in the State in 
which the school food authority 
is located; or
``(bb) not more than 250 
miles from the location of the 
school food authority.
``(ii) Additional payment eligibility.--
During a school year, a school food authority 
shall receive an additional payment described 
in clause (iii) if the State certifies that the 
school food authority served meals (including 
breakfasts, lunches, suppers, and supplements) 
during the last school year of which not less 
than 25 percent were made with locally sourced 
farm products.
``(iii) Payment amount.--
``(I) In general.--The additional 
payment amount under this subparagraph 
shall be--
``(aa) $0.30 for each free 
lunch and supper;
``(bb) $0.21 for each free 
breakfast; and
``(cc) $0.08 for each free 
supplement.
``(II) Adjustments.--Each 
additional payment amount under 
subclause (I) shall be adjusted 
annually in accordance with 
subparagraph (C) and rounded in 
accordance with subparagraph (D).
``(iv) Disbursement.--The State agency 
shall disburse funds made available under this 
clause to school food authorities eligible to 
receive additional reimbursement.
``(C) Inflation adjustment.--
``(i) In general.--The annual inflation 
adjustment under subparagraphs (A) and (B)(iii) 
shall reflect changes in the cost of operating 
the free lunch program under this Act, as 
indicated by the change in the Consumer Price 
Index for food away from home for all urban 
consumers.
``(ii) Basis.--Each annual inflation 
adjustment under subparagraphs (A) and (B)(iii) 
shall reflect the changes in the Consumer Price 
Index for food away from home for the most 
recent 12-month period for which that data is 
available.
``(D) Rounding.--On July 1, 2026, and annually 
thereafter, the national average payment rate for free 
lunch and the additional payment amount for free 
breakfast, lunch, supper, and supplement under 
subparagraph (B) shall be--
``(i) adjusted to the nearest lower-cent 
increment; and
``(ii) based on the unrounded amounts for 
the preceding 12-month period.''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3).

SEC. 202. NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Elimination of Free Lunch Eligibility Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Section 9 of the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758) is amended by 
striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Eligibility.--All children enrolled in a school that 
participates in the school lunch program under this Act shall be 
eligible to receive free lunch under this Act.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 9 of the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758) is amended--
(i) in subsection (c), in the third 
sentence, by striking ``or at a reduced cost''; 
and
(ii) in subsection (e), by striking ``, 
reduced price,''.
(B) Section 28 of the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769i) is amended--
(i) by striking subsection (b); and
(ii) by redesignating subsection (c) as 
subsection (b).
(C) Section 17(d)(2)(A) of the Child Nutrition Act 
of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(d)(2)(A)) is amended--
(i) by striking clause (i); and
(ii) by redesignating clauses (ii) and 
(iii) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively.
(D) Section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (7) 
and inserting the following:
``(7) provide safeguards which restrict the use or 
disclosure of information concerning applicants and recipients 
to purposes directly connected with the administration of the 
plan;''.
(E) Section 1154(a)(2)(A)(i) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``in accordance 
with section 9(b)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(1)''.
(F) Section 4301 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 1758a) is repealed.
(b) No Collection of Debt.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the 
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et 
seq.) or any other provision of law, effective beginning on the 
date of enactment of this Act, as a condition of participation 
in the school lunch program under that Act, a school--
(A) shall not collect any debt owed to the school 
for unpaid meal charges; and
(B) shall continue to accrue debt for unpaid meal 
charges--
(i) for the purpose of receiving 
reimbursement under section 212; and
(ii) until the effective date specified in 
section 2.
(2) National school lunch act.--Section 9 of the Richard B. 
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758) is amended 
by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) No Collection of Debt.--A school participating in the school 
lunch program under this Act shall not collect any debt owed to the 
school for unpaid meal charges.''.

SEC. 203. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Section 11 of the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1755) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``sections 11 
and 13'' and inserting ``section 13''; and
(B) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A), by striking ``section 4, this 
section, and section 11'' and inserting ``this section 
and section 4''.
(2) Section 7(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1756(d)) is amended by striking ``or 11''.
(3) Section 8(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1757(g)) is amended by striking ``and 
under section 11 of this Act''.
(4) Section 12(f) of the Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1760(f)) is amended by striking ``11,''.
(5) Section 7(a) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 
U.S.C. 1766(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``4, 11, and 
17'' and inserting ``4 and 17''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``sections 4 
and 11'' and inserting ``section 4''.
(6) Section 1101(j)(3) of the Families First Coronavirus 
Response Act (7 U.S.C. 2011 note; Public Law 116-127) is 
amended--
(A) by striking ``or served under section 11(a)(1) 
of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1760(d), 1759(a)(1))'' and inserting ``of the 
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 
1760(d))''; and
(B) by striking ``or reduced price''.

SEC. 204. PRICE FOR A PAID LUNCH.

Section 12 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1760) is amended--
(1) in subsection (l)(4)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (M) 
as subparagraphs (D) through (L), respectively;
(2) by striking subsection (p); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (q) and (r) as subsections 
(p) and (q), respectively.

SEC. 205. SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN.

Section 13 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1761) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)(i)--
(i) in subclause (I), by striking ``have 
been determined eligible for free or reduced 
price school meals under this Act and the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et 
seq.)'' and inserting ``are economically 
disadvantaged students (as identified under a 
measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)))'';
(ii) in subclause (II), by striking ``are 
eligible for free or reduced price school meals 
under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)'' and inserting 
``are economically disadvantaged students (as 
identified under a measure described in section 
1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5)))'';
(iii) in subclause (III)(bb), by striking 
``meet the income standards for free or reduced 
price school meals under this Act and the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et 
seq.)'' and inserting ``are economically 
disadvantaged students (as identified under a 
measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)))'';
(iv) in subclause (IV), by striking ``are 
eligible for free or reduced price school meals 
under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)'' and inserting 
``are economically disadvantaged students (as 
identified under a measure described in section 
1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5)))''; and
(v) in subclause (V), by striking ``are 
eligible for free or reduced price school meals 
under this Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)'' and inserting 
``are economically disadvantaged students (as 
identified under a measure described in section 
1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5)))'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the 
following:
``(C) Waiver.--If the Secretary determines that a 
program requirement under this section limits the 
access of children to meals served under this section, 
the Secretary may waive that program requirement.
``(D) Eligibility.--All children shall be eligible 
to participate in the program under this section.'';
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``only for'' and 
all that follows through the period at the end and 
inserting ``for meals served to all children.''; and
(D) in paragraph (13)--
(i) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking 
``eligible for a free or reduced price lunch 
under this Act or a free or reduced price 
breakfast under section 4 of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)'' and 
inserting ``an economically disadvantaged 
student (as identified under a measure 
described in section 1113(a)(5) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)))''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking 
``eligible for free or reduced price lunch 
under this Act or free or reduced price 
breakfast under section 4 of the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773)'' and 
inserting ``economically disadvantaged students 
(as identified under a measure described in 
section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5)))'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``may only serve'' 
and all that follows through ``migrant children'';
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Payments.--
``(1) In general.--Payments shall be made to service 
institutions for meals served--
``(A) during the months of May through September;
``(B) during school vacation at any time during an 
academic school year;
``(C) during a teacher in-service day; and
``(D) on days that school is closed due to a 
natural disaster, building repair, court order, or 
similar cause, as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Limitation on payments.--A service institution shall 
receive payments under this section for not more than 3 meals 
and 1 supplement per child per day.''; and
(4) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``, except that'' and 
all that follows through ``section''.

SEC. 206. SUMMER ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM.

Section 13A of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1762) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (ii)--
(i) by striking ``and each year 
thereafter''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(C) by inserting at the end the following:
``(iii) for calendar year 2026, in an 
amount equal to $60, which may be 
proportionately higher consistent with the 
adjustments established under section 12(f) for 
each eligible child in the eligible household 
per month during the summer operational period; 
and
``(iv) for calendar year 2027 and each year 
thereafter, in an amount equal to the unrounded 
benefit amount from the prior year, adjusted to 
the nearest lower dollar increment to reflect 
changes to the cost of the diet described in 
section 3(u) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(u)) for the 12-month period 
ending on November 30 of the preceding calendar 
year and rounded to the nearest lower dollar 
increment; and'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``directly 
certified'' and all that follows through ``this 
section'' and inserting ``an economically disadvantaged 
student (as identified under a measure described in 
section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)))'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E) 
as subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively;
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A), by striking ``processes--'' and all 
that follows through ``to reliably'' in subparagraph 
(B) and inserting ``processes to reliably''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), in the matter preceding 
subparagraph (A), by striking ``by--'' and all that 
follows through ``establishing'' in subparagraph (B) 
and inserting ``by establishing''; and
(4) in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (2) and 
inserting the following:
``(2) Eligible child.--The term `eligible child' means any 
child residing in a State or on land under the jurisdiction of 
a covered Indian Tribal organization that participates in the 
program established under this section.''.

SEC. 207. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM.

Section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1766) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking subparagraph (B) and 
inserting the following:
``(B) any other private organization providing 
nonresidential child care or day care outside school 
hours for school children;'';
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Free Meals.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law--
``(1) all meals and supplements served under the program 
authorized under this section shall be provided for free to 
participants of the program; and
``(2) an institution that serves those meals and 
supplements shall be reimbursed--
``(A) in the case of breakfast, at the rate 
established for free breakfast under section 
4(b)(1)(B)(i) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 
U.S.C. 1773(b)(1)(B)(i));
``(B) in the case of lunch, at the rate established 
for free lunch under section 4(b)(2)(A); and
``(C) in the case of a supplemental meal, $1.28, 
adjusted for inflation in accordance with section 
4(b)(2)(C).'';
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) 
and inserting the following:
``(B) Limitation to reimbursements.--An institution 
may claim reimbursement under this paragraph for not 
more than 3 meals and 1 supplement per day per 
child.'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph 
(3);
(4) in subsection (o)--
(A) by striking paragraph (4); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as 
paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and
(5) in subsection (r)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
``Program for At-risk School Children'' and inserting 
``Afterschool Meal and Snack Program'';
(B) by striking ``at-risk school'' each place it 
appears and inserting ``eligible'';
(C) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking 
``at-risk school'' and inserting ``eligible''; 
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``operated'' and all that follows through the 
period at the end and inserting a period; and
(D) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``only for'' 
and all that follows through the period at the end and 
inserting the following: ``for--
``(i) not more than 1 meal and 1 supplement 
per child per day served on a regular school 
day; and
``(ii) not more than 3 meals and 1 
supplement per child per day served on any day 
other than a regular school day.''.

SEC. 208. MEALS AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR CHILDREN IN AFTERSCHOOL CARE.

Section 17A of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1766a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``Meal 
supplements'' and inserting ``Meals and supplements'';
(2) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``meal supplements'' 
and inserting ``free meals and supplements'';
(3) in subsection (b), by inserting ``meals and'' before 
``supplements''; and
(4) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Reimbursement.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Meals.--A free meal provided under this 
section to a child shall be reimbursed at a rate of 
$5.42, adjusted annually for inflation in accordance 
with paragraph (3)(A) and rounded in accordance with 
paragraph (3)(B).
``(B) Supplements.--A free supplement provided 
under this section to a child shall be reimbursed at 
the rate at which free supplements are reimbursed under 
section 17(c)(2)(C).
``(2) Limitation to reimbursements.--An institution may 
claim reimbursement under this section for not more than 1 meal 
and 1 supplement per day per child served on a regular school 
day.
``(3) Inflation; rounding.--
``(A) Inflation adjustment.--
``(i) In general.--The annual inflation 
adjustment under paragraph (1)(A) shall reflect 
changes in the cost of operating the program 
under this section, as indicated by the change 
in the Consumer Price Index for food away from 
home for all urban consumers.
``(ii) Basis.--Each inflation annual 
adjustment under paragraph (1)(A) shall reflect 
the changes in the Consumer Price Index for 
food away from home for the most recent 12-
month period for which that data is available.
``(B) Rounding.--On July 1, 2026, and annually 
thereafter, the reimbursement rate for a free meal 
under this section shall be--
``(i) adjusted to the nearest lower-cent 
increment; and
``(ii) based on the unrounded amounts for 
the preceding 12-month period.''.

SEC. 209. PILOT PROJECTS.

Section 18 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
U.S.C. 1769) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(5), by striking subparagraph (B) and 
inserting the following:
``(B) serve a high proportion of economically 
disadvantaged students (as identified under a measure 
described in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5)));'';
(2) in subsection (h)(1)(A)(ii), by striking ``eligible for 
free or reduced price meals under this Act'' and inserting 
``economically disadvantaged students (as identified under a 
measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)))'';
(3) by striking subsection (j); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (j).

SEC. 210. FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.

Section 19(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1769a(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by 
striking ``paragraph (2) of this subsection and'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding 
clause (i), by striking ``school--'' and all that 
follows through ``submits'' in clause (ii) and 
inserting ``school that submits'';
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``schools'' 
and all that follows through ``Act'' and inserting 
``high-need schools (as defined in section 2211(b) of 
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 6631(b)))''; and
(D) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking clause (i); and
(ii) by redesignating clauses (ii) through 
(iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), 
respectively; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
following:
``(2) Outreach to high-need schools.--Prior to making 
decisions regarding school participation in the program, a 
State agency shall inform high-need schools (as defined in 
section 2211(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6631(b))), including Tribal schools, of the 
eligibility of the schools for the program.''.

SEC. 211. TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT 
INSTITUTE.

Section 21(a)(1)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 
Act (42 U.S.C. 1769b-1(a)(1)(B)) is amended in the matter preceding 
clause (i) by striking ``certified to receive free or reduced price 
meals'' and inserting ``who are economically disadvantaged students (as 
identified under a measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5)))''.

SEC. 212. REIMBURSEMENT OF SCHOOL MEAL DELINQUENT DEBT PROGRAM.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Delinquent debt.--The term ``delinquent debt'' means 
the debt owed by a parent or guardian of a child to a school--
(A) as of the effective date specified in section 
2; and
(B) for meals served by the school under--
(i) the school breakfast program under 
section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 
(42 U.S.C. 1773);
(ii) the school lunch program established 
under the Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); or
(iii) both of the programs described in 
clauses (i) and (ii).
(2) Program.--The term ``program'' means the program 
established under subsection (b)(1).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Agriculture.
(b) Reimbursement Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the 
effective date specified in section 2, the Secretary shall 
establish a program under which the Secretary shall reimburse 
each school participating in a program described in clause (i) 
or (ii) of subsection (a)(1)(B) for all delinquent debt.
(2) Form for reimbursement.--To carry out the program, the 
Secretary shall design and distribute a form to State agencies 
to collect data on all delinquent debt in applicable schools in 
the State, grouped by school food authority.
(3) Completion date.--The Secretary shall provide all 
reimbursements under the program not later than 180 days after 
the effective date specified in section 2.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the effective date 
specified in section 2, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to Congress and make publicly available a report that 
describes the successes and challenges of the program.

SEC. 213. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et 
seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or reduced price'' each place it appears;
(2) by striking ``or a reduced price'' each place it 
appears;
(3) by striking ``and reduced price'' each place it 
appears; and
(4) by striking ``a reduced price'' each place it appears.

TITLE III--ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION DATA

SEC. 301. MEASURE OF POVERTY.

Section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 6313(a)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the number of 
children eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the 
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et 
seq.)'' and inserting ``the number of children from low-income 
backgrounds, identified under subparagraph (D)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Identification of children from low-income 
backgrounds.--
``(i) In general.--A local educational 
agency or State agency, for the purpose of 
identifying children from low-income 
backgrounds enrolled in a school served by a 
local educational agency, may--
``(I) maintain a record, with 
respect to each student for whom the 
local educational agency provides a 
free public education that contains the 
information collected from the survey 
described in clause (iii);
``(II) distribute and collect a 
student survey based on the template 
developed under clause (iii) to 
identify children from low-income 
backgrounds; and
``(III) utilize direct 
certification data described in clause 
(iv)(I) to identify children from low-
income backgrounds.
``(ii) Privacy.--
``(I) In general.--All individual 
data collected under this subparagraph 
shall be protected by the local 
educational agency or State agency in a 
manner consistent with all applicable 
local, State, and Federal privacy laws.
``(II) Reporting data.--Only 
aggregated data, which may include data 
disaggregated at the school, local 
educational agency, or State level, 
shall be reported to the Secretary at 
such time and in such manner as the 
Secretary may reasonably require.
``(iii) Survey.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the Universal 
School Meals Program Act of 2026, the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary 
of Agriculture, shall develop a template 
survey--
``(I) to identify children from 
low-income backgrounds that contains 
only the information necessary to 
identify a child as a child from a low-
income background by using the criteria 
of eligibility for a free or reduced 
priced lunch under the Richard B. 
Russell National School Lunch Act, as 
such criteria were in effect on 
September 30, 2022; and
``(II) that shall be designed to be 
easily accessible and in a user-
friendly manner.
``(iv) Transition authority from frpl to 
esea measures.--The Secretary, in coordination 
with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall have 
the authority to take such steps as are 
necessary to provide for the orderly transition 
to, and implementation of--
``(I) activities that are necessary 
for the continuity of direct 
certification carried out by local 
educational agencies and State agencies 
specified in paragraphs (4), (5), and 
(15) section 9(b) of the Richard B. 
Russell National School Lunch Act, as 
in effect on September 30, 2022, for 
the purposes of identifying any child 
eligible for free or reduced priced 
lunch under such Act, as in effect on 
such date, as a child from a low-income 
background;
``(II) procedures for verification 
of information collected under this 
subparagraph, which may include 
procedures modeled on the requirement 
specified in section 9(b)(3) of the 
Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act, as in effect on September 
30, 2022; and
``(III) data privacy provisions for 
information collected under this 
subparagraph, in accordance with the 
requirements specified in section 
9(b)(6) of the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act, as in effect 
on September 30, 2022.
``(v) Special rule.--For the purposes of 
subparagraph (A), a local educational agency 
may determine the number of children from low-
income backgrounds enrolled in a school served 
by such agency using one or more of the 
following methods:
``(I) Results from surveys 
specified in clause (i)(II).
``(II) Direct certification data 
specified in clause (i)(III).
``(III) Utilization of both methods 
described in subclauses (I) and 
(II).''.

TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER PROGRAMS AND LAWS

SEC. 401. SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

(a) Agreement for Direct Certification.--
(1) In general.--Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act 
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020) is amended--
(A) by striking subsection (u); and
(B) by redesignating subsections (v) through (x) as 
subsections (u) through (w), respectively.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 11(e) of the Food and 
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(e)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (8)(F), by striking ``or 
subsection (u)''; and
(B) in paragraph (26)(B), by striking ``(x)'' and 
inserting ``(w)''.
(b) Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program.--
Section 28(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036a(a)) 
is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) an individual eligible for benefits under this 
Act;''.

SEC. 402. HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965.

(a) Teacher Quality Enhancement.--Subparagraph (A) of section 
200(11) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1021(11)) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--The term `high-need school' 
means a school that is in the highest quartile of 
schools in a ranking of all schools served by a local 
educational agency, ranked in descending order by 
percentage of students from low-income families 
enrolled in such schools, as determined by the local 
educational agency based on one of the following 
measures of poverty:
``(i) The percentage of students aged 5 
through 17 in poverty counted in the most 
recent census data approved by the Secretary.
``(ii) The percentage of students in 
families receiving assistance under the State 
program funded under the program of block 
grants to States for temporary assistance for 
needy families established under part A of 
title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.).
``(iii) The percentage of students eligible 
to receive medical assistance under the program 
of medical assistance established under title 
XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 
et seq.).
``(iv) A composite of two or more of the 
measures described in clauses (i) through 
(iii).''.
(b) GEAR Up.--Subparagraph (A) of section 404B(d)(1) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-22(d)(1)) is amended to read as 
follows:
``(A) provide services under this chapter to at 
least one grade level of students, beginning not later 
than 7th grade, in a participating school--
``(i) that has a 7th grade; and
``(ii) in which--
``(I) at least 50 percent of the 
students enrolled are economically 
disadvantaged students (as identified 
under a measure described in section 
1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965); or
``(II) if an eligible entity 
determines that it would promote the 
effectiveness of a program, an entire 
grade level of students, beginning not 
later than the 7th grade, reside in 
public housing, as defined in section 
3(b)(1) of the United States Housing 
Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(1)).''.
(c) Early Federal Pell Grant Commitment Demonstration Program.--
Section 894(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1161y(b)) 
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``qualify for a free 
or reduced price school lunch under the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) or the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)'' and inserting 
``are economically disadvantaged students (as identified under 
a measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965)''; and
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``eligible for a free or 
reduced price school lunch under the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) or the Child 
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)'' and inserting 
``economically disadvantaged students (as identified under a 
measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965)''.

SEC. 403. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ACT OF 1965.

(a) Literacy Education for All.--Section 2221(b)(3)(B) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6641(b)(3)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking clause (i); and
(2) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (i) 
and (ii), respectively.
(b) Grants for Education Innovation and Research.--Section 
4611(d)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 7261(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as 
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.
(c) Eligibility for Heavily Impacted Local Educational Agencies.--
Item (bb) of section 7003(b)(2)(B)(i)(III) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7703(b)(2)(B)(i)(III)) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(bb) has an enrollment of children described in subsection (a)(1) 
that constitutes a percentage of the total student enrollment of the 
agency that is not less than 30 percent; and''.

SEC. 404. AMERICA COMPETES ACT.

Section 6122(3) of the America COMPETES Act (20 U.S.C. 9832(3)) is 
amended by striking ``data on children eligible for free or reduced-
price lunches under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 
Act,''.

SEC. 405. WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.

Section 3(36)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
(29 U.S.C. 3102(36)(A)) is amended--
(1) by striking clause (iv); and
(2) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (iv) 
and (v), respectively.

SEC. 406. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2002.

Section 4(8) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act 
of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 1862n note; Public Law 107-368) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (A); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively.

SEC. 407. CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT.

Section 658O(b) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act 
of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858m(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``school lunch 
factor'' and inserting ``economically disadvantaged students 
factor''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Economically disadvantaged students factor.--In this 
subsection, the term `economically disadvantaged students 
factor' means the ratio of the number of children in the State 
who are economically disadvantaged students (as identified 
under a measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5))) to the number of such children in all the States 
as determined annually by the Secretary of Education.''.

SEC. 408. CHILDREN'S HEALTH ACT OF 2000.

Section 1404(b) of the Children's Health Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 
9859c(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``school lunch 
factor'' and inserting ``economically disadvantaged students 
factor''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Economically disadvantaged students factor.--In this 
subsection, the term `economically disadvantaged students 
factor' means the ratio of the number of children in the State 
who are economically disadvantaged students (as identified 
under a measure described in section 1113(a)(5) of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
6313(a)(5))) to the number of such children in all the States 
as determined annually by the Secretary of Education.''.

SEC. 409. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION.

Section 252(i) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 
Act of 1974 (34 U.S.C. 11162(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Free School Lunches for Incarcerated Juveniles.--
``(1) In general.--A juvenile who is incarcerated in an 
eligible juvenile detention center is eligible to receive free 
lunch under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act 
(42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).
``(2) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of the Universal School Meals Program Act of 
2026, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary 
of Agriculture, shall provide guidance to States relating to 
the options for school food authorities in the States to apply 
for reimbursement for free lunches under the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) for 
juveniles who are incarcerated.
``(3) Eligible juvenile detention center defined.--In this 
subsection, the term `eligible juvenile detention center' does 
not include any private, for-profit detention center.''.
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