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Improving Tribal Child Nutrition: Free Meals and Tribal-Operated Pilot Programs.

This Act aims to enhance food access and nutrition for children in tribal areas. It grants automatic eligibility for free school meals to children who are enrolled members of an Indian tribe or have parents who are members. Furthermore, it establishes a pilot program allowing tribal organizations to independently run federal nutrition programs in schools and care facilities.
Key points
Automatic Free Meals: Children who are enrolled members of an Indian tribe or have enrolled parents automatically qualify for free meals under the National School Lunch Act.
Reimbursement Rate Adjustments: Schools serving tribal areas and Bureau-funded schools are included in the definitions of geographic areas eligible for reimbursement rate adjustments.
Tribally Operated Pilot Program: Establishes a pilot program awarding 10 grants to tribal entities to operate and implement federal nutrition programs (school lunch, summer food service, etc.) in schools and early care facilities.
Pilot Reimbursement Status: Pilot participants will be reimbursed and receive administrative funds as if they were States.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1589
Sponsor: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Process start date: 2023-03-14
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_1589.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-03-14.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Automatic Free Meals: Children who are enrolled members of an Indian tribe or have enrolled parents automatically qualify for free meals under the National School Lunch Act.
  • Reimbursement Rate Adjustments: Schools serving tribal areas and Bureau-funded schools are included in the definitions of geographic areas eligible for reimbursement rate adjustments.
  • Tribally Operated Pilot Program: Establishes a pilot program awarding 10 grants to tribal entities to operate and implement federal nutrition programs (school lunch, summer food service, etc.) in schools and early care facilities.
  • Pilot Reimbursement Status: Pilot participants will be reimbursed and receive administrative funds as if they were States.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-30.

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