What does Preamble of Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026 do?

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. It establishes a pilot program focused on promoting scratch cooking in school meal programs. The bill's purpose is 'to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish a pilot program promoting scratch cooking in school meal programs, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026.

What does PILOT PROGRAM FOR GRANTS PROMOTING SCRATCH COOKING IN SCHOOL of Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a pilot program to award grants to school food authorities to promote scratch cooking. The pilot program is authorized to operate from 180 days after the Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026 is enacted and grants will last for two school years. To be eligible for a grant, school food authorities must submit an application to the Secretary. Priority 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 will become so, and those with collective bargaining agreements or plans to negotiate them. Eligible uses of grant funds include professional development, equipment purchases, employee compensation, technical assistance, and investments in procurement technology. 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 in collaboration with the resource center. Recipients must submit a report to the Secretary detailing activities and comparing relevant factors before and after the grant period. The program is authorized to receive $20,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with specific reservations for technical assistance and administrative expenses.

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Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026

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

Author: Adam Schiff (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to create a pilot program providing grants to school food authorities for promoting scratch cooking in school meal programs.
Eligible school food authorities, particularly those serving low-income students or operating their own food service, can use grant funds for professional development, equipment, and other related expenses.
The bill authorizes $20,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund the pilot program and establish a technical assistance resource center.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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

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