Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6827

Introduced
12/14/23  

Caption

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase commodity assistance under the summer food service program.

Impact

If enacted, HB6827 is expected to bolster the summer food program by ensuring that service institutions have access to adequate resources to provide nutritious meals during the summer months. By increasing the value of the commodity assistance, the bill aims to improve food access for children who depend on school meals during the academic year. This legislative change could lead to a more efficient allocation of food resources and enhance the nutritional quality of meals offered during the summer season.

Summary

House Bill 6827 aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to enhance commodity assistance under the summer food service program. This bill intends to increase the value of donated foods distributed to service institutions, aligning it with the national average value of such foods as determined under existing federal guidelines. The proposal is designed to better support institutions that provide meals to children during the summer months, particularly those in low-income areas, addressing food insecurity during school breaks.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support due to its potential positive outcomes for child nutrition and food security, it may face scrutiny regarding budget implications and resource allocation. Stakeholders may raise concerns about the financial feasibility of increasing commodity assistance, alongside questions about the bill's implementation at the state level and its alignment with existing food service program regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB6006

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to establish a vehicle summer meal delivery pilot program, and for other purposes.

US HB3747

To rename the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, and for other purposes.

US HR922

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1147) to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools that participate in the school lunch program under such Act to serve whole milk; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 357) to require the head of an agency to issue and sign any rule issued by that agency, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

US HB1967

Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025

US HB4466

Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2023

US HB1539

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools to provide fluid milk substitutes upon request of a student or the parent or guardian of such student, and for other purposes.

US HB1619

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools to provide fluid milk substitutes upon request of a student or the parent or guardian of such student, and for other purposes.

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.

US HB5407

School MEALS Act of 2023 School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2023

US HB150

People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE ActThis bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested programs for potential reform.Under the bill, means-tested programs are those designed to provide assistance to low-income individuals, including, for example, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The commission is generally directed to review all federal means-tested programs with the exception of certain specified programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and certain veterans’ benefits programs.The commission is directed to identify and evaluate potential changes to federal means-tested programs, such as consolidation with other programs, delegation of certain functions to states, and the establishment of gradual benefit reductions tied to increases in beneficiaries’ income. The commission is also directed to consider changes that would allow caseworkers to identify all of the appropriate programs for individuals and families. The commission must establish a website through which members of the public may submit suggested reforms for consideration. The commission is to be comprised of eight members, with an equal number of members appointed by the majority and minority parties.  At the conclusion of its term, the commission must report to Congress with its findings and proposed legislation implementing any recommended changes. Congress must consider the legislation under expedited procedures.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.