What does Preamble of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The stated purpose of the bill is to improve direct certification.

What does SHORT TITLE. of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2025.

What does EXPANDING DIRECT CERTIFICATION. of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 9(b)(4)(F)(iii)(II)(bb) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The amendment inserts the phrase 'in not more than 3 school years' after the word 'measures'.

What does DIRECT CERTIFICATION IMPROVEMENT GRANTS AND TECHNICAL of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish direct certification improvement grants and technical assistance. Eligible entities for these grants include State agencies and Tribal organizations. The Secretary is directed to provide grants to eligible entities administering the school lunch program to improve direct certification rates. Priority for grants will be given to States and Tribal organizations with the lowest direct certification rates. Grant funds can be used for improving technology, providing technical assistance, revising direct certification systems, and coordinating with public benefits programs. Specific grants are also designated for States and Tribal organizations administering the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations to establish or improve direct certification rates for children receiving assistance under that program. The Secretary is also required to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and other eligible entities. On October 1, 2025, $28,000,000 will be transferred to the Secretary to carry out this paragraph, with specific allocations for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and technical assistance.

What does ENHANCING THE COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY OPTION. of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 11(a)(1)(F) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The amendment modifies the timing of eligibility determinations for community eligibility option (CEO) schools, extending the period from 'as of April 1' to 'during the period beginning on April 1 and ending on the last day of that school year'. A new definition of 'covered school year' is added, defining it as 'the school year prior to the first school year that a school or local educational agency elected to receive special assistance payments'. The amendment modifies conditions related to determining eligibility for special assistance payments, removing a deadline of 'not later than June 30 of the current school year' and adding a requirement to base counts on data collected 'beginning on or after April 1 of that school year'.

What does ENHANCING DIRECT CERTIFICATION. of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 9(b)(15)(B)(ii)(III) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

What does STATE PERFORMANCE ON ENROLLING CHILDREN RECEIVING PROGRAM of School MEALS Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Section 4301(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The amendment modifies paragraphs (2) and (3) of Section 4301(b). It adds a new paragraph (4) to Section 4301(b). This new paragraph (4) applies to states identified under section 9(b)(4)(F) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. For these states, it requires a description of technical assistance provided and progress made in implementing measures and meeting goals.

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School MEALS Act of 2025

Last updated: 12/17/2025 · Introduced: 12/17/2025

Author: Jahana Hayes (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill modifies eligibility criteria for the Community Eligibility Option, allowing schools to base eligibility determinations on data collected throughout the entire school year instead of just as of April 1.
It establishes direct certification improvement grants for state agencies and tribal organizations to enhance technology, provide technical assistance, and coordinate with public benefits programs, prioritizing those with the lowest direct certification rates.
The bill requires states identified as needing improvement in direct certification to report on technical assistance provided and progress made in meeting enrollment goals.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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