What does Preamble of Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act do?

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. It establishes a pilot program. The pilot program aims to promote scratch cooking in school meal programs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act'.

What does PILOT PROGRAM FOR GRANTS PROMOTING SCRATCH COOKING IN SCHOOL of Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act do?

This section establishes a pilot program to award competitive grants to school food authorities to promote scratch cooking. The pilot program will operate for two school years. Grant funds can be used for professional development, equipment purchases, employee compensation, technical assistance, and procurement software. Priority for grants will be given to school food authorities serving a high proportion of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, those that are self-operated or plan to become so, and those with collective bargaining agreements or plans to negotiate them. The Secretary will establish a technical assistance and resource center to support school food authorities participating in the program. School food authorities receiving grants must conduct a needs assessment and develop a strategic plan with the resource center. Recipients must report on changes in the percentage of whole/raw ingredients used and the percentage of menu items prepared with scratch cooking. A total of $20,000,000 is authorized for the program for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031, with reservations for technical assistance and administrative expenses.

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Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 5/20/2026

Author: Jahana Hayes (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the National School Lunch Act to create a pilot program offering grants to school food authorities for promoting scratch cooking.
Grants awarded through the pilot program can fund professional development, equipment, employee compensation, and technical assistance related to scratch cooking.
Participating school food authorities must assess their needs, develop strategic plans, and report on ingredient usage and menu item preparation methods.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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