arrow_back Back to App

More Free School Meals: Ending Reduced-Price Programs

This bill aims to make it easier for children to access free breakfasts and lunches at school. It eliminates reduced-price meal programs, meaning children who qualify for assistance will no longer have to pay even a small amount. It also raises the income threshold for free meals and simplifies the qualification process for children receiving Medicaid benefits.
Key points
No more reduced-price meals: All children who previously paid a reduced price for breakfast and lunch will now receive them for free.
More children qualify: The income threshold for free school meals has been raised from 130% to 224% of the federal poverty level, meaning more families will be eligible for free meals.
Easier qualification: Children receiving Medicaid benefits whose income is below 224% of the poverty line will automatically qualify for free meals, without needing to submit additional applications.
Support for schools: Financial support for schools participating in the program to provide free meals to all students in poorer communities has been increased.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_2680
Sponsor: Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Process start date: 2025-04-07
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_2680.

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 2025-04-07.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • No more reduced-price meals: All children who previously paid a reduced price for breakfast and lunch will now receive them for free.
  • More children qualify: The income threshold for free school meals has been raised from 130% to 224% of the federal poverty level, meaning more families will be eligible for free meals.
  • Easier qualification: Children receiving Medicaid benefits whose income is below 224% of the poverty line will automatically qualify for free meals, without needing to submit additional applications.
  • Support for schools: Financial support for schools participating in the program to provide free meals to all students in poorer communities has been increased.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5].

What is the latest detailed status?

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

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-22.

CATEGORIES

Education Benefits Family