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Improving School Meal Access and Direct Certification for Low-Income Students

This Act aims to simplify access to free school lunches for low-income children by improving the automatic enrollment process (Direct Certification). It allocates $28 million in grants to states and Tribal organizations to upgrade technology and coordinate benefit programs, reducing administrative burdens for families. The changes also make it easier for high-poverty schools to provide free meals to all students.
Key points
Funding: $28 million is allocated for grants to States and Tribal organizations to modernize systems for automatically certifying children for free school meals.
Easier Access: The law makes it easier for high-poverty schools to offer free meals to all students (Community Eligibility Option) by extending the period used to count eligible children.
Accountability: States struggling with automatic enrollment must report on the technical assistance received and the progress made toward meeting improvement goals.
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Introduced
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6795
Sponsor: Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
Process start date: 2025-12-17
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

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_6795.

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 2025-12-17.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Funding: $28 million is allocated for grants to States and Tribal organizations to modernize systems for automatically certifying children for free school meals.
  • Easier Access: The law makes it easier for high-poverty schools to offer free meals to all students (Community Eligibility Option) by extending the period used to count eligible children.
  • Accountability: States struggling with automatic enrollment must report on the technical assistance received and the progress made toward meeting improvement goals.
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. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-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 2026-01-21.

CATEGORIES

Education Benefits