Bill · S. 4518· Senate(119-S-4518)

Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026

Age: 85 years

Vermont

Introduced: 5/13/2026
Last activity: 5/13/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Sponsored by: Bernie Sanders
Cosponsors: - 0 - 19

Agriculture and Food

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 aims to amend existing laws to make breakfasts and lunches free for all children. It modifies the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish new payment rates and eligibility standards. The bill establishes a national average payment for free breakfasts and lunches, which are adjusted annually for inflation. It also prohibits schools from collecting debt for unpaid meal charges and bans practices like breakfast shaming. Additionally, the legislation addresses summer food service, afterschool care, and the reimbursement of delinquent school meal debt.

Yes· 3 of 21

Would children be better off under this?+10
The bill ensures all children have access to free breakfast and lunch regardless of income.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+10
The bill eliminates the cost of school meals for all children, significantly benefiting low-income families.
Would students be better off under this?+10
The bill ensures all students have access to free breakfast and lunch without the threat of debt or shaming.

The opposite

Would high-income households be better off under this?-1
High-income households receive the same benefit as low-income households, which may be viewed as a less targeted subsidy.
Does this make it easier to use public money at a school other than the local one?-1
The bill focuses on a universal public school meal system rather than a school choice model.