Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5619

Introduced

9/21/23

Refer

9/21/23

Caption

Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2023

Impact

The proposed amendments would allow for a direct certification process for children in households with members of the uniformed services, simplifying their access to nutritious meals in schools. Moreover, the bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, to report on the feasibility of these changes by October 1, 2024. The legislation is expected to make it easier for military families to qualify for meals without the burden of extensive additional applications.

Summary

House Bill 5619, titled the 'Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2023,' seeks to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by excluding certain military housing allowances from the calculation of household income. This legislation aims to enhance the eligibility of military dependents for free or reduced-price school meals, thereby addressing food insecurity among families with service members. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that children of military families receive adequate nutritional support.

Contention

While the bill aims to support military families, there could be potential debates regarding the fiscal implications of excluding housing allowances from income calculations. Opponents may argue about the impact on the overall funding of the school lunch programs and the necessary adjustments to accommodate these changes. However, proponents believe the benefits of increased meal access for service members’ children far outweigh potential downsides.

Latest HB5619 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3700

MEALS Act of 2025 Mitigating Electronic Access Losses for Students Act of 2025

US SB1431

School Meal Modernization and Hunger Elimination Act

US HB1967

Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025

US HB739

Salad Bars in Schools Expansion ActThis bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish and implement a plan, including through a five-year program of competitive grants, to promote the use of salad bars in schools participating in the school lunch program.Priority in the award of grants may be given to entities (i.e., a school or a school food authority) that (1) serve schools in which at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, (2) serve schools in food deserts, or (3) provide nutrition education to students. Under the bill, food desert is defined as a census tract with a substantial share of residents who live in low-income areas that have low levels of access to a grocery store or a healthy, affordable food retail outlet.Eligible entities must use the grant funds to award schools a one-time payment for the anticipated cost of installing a salad bar, including the purchase of any required durable equipment.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes recommendations for promoting and establishing more salad bars in schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.