Bill · H.R. 7542· House(119-HR-7542)
Kids Need Lunch Act
- Introduced
- 2/12/2026
- Last activity
- 2/12/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Raja Krishnamoorthi
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Kids Need Lunch Act" aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. It seeks to make lunches free for every child enrolled in a participating school. The bill also establishes a program to reimburse schools for delinquent school meal debt. This reimbursement process is to be managed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Additionally, the act prohibits schools from collecting any debt owed for unpaid lunch charges.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+9
The bill eliminates school meal debt and provides free lunches to all students, greatly benefiting low-income families.
Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill ensures all school-enrolled children have access to free, nutritious lunches.
Does this put more money into public schools?+7
The bill mandates that all children in participating schools receive free lunches and provides reimbursement for delinquent debt.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to reimburse schools for delinquent meal debt and fund universal free lunches.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Universal Free Lunch Access: All children enrolled in a school that participates in the school lunch program will be eligible to receive free lunch (Section 102).
-
Debt Relief for Schools and Families: The Secretary of Agriculture will establish a program to reimburse participating schools for all delinquent debt owed by parents or guardians (Section 201).
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Prevention of Debt Collection: Schools participating in the school lunch program are prohibited from collecting any debt owed to them for unpaid lunch charges (Section 202).
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Inflation-Adjusted Funding: The national average payment for free lunches will be adjusted annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for food away from home (Section 101).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Delayed Implementation: The changes and amendments specified in the act do not take effect until one year after the date of enactment (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+9Good For Children+8Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Urban Residents+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+6
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-3
- 2/12/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Introduced in House