H.R.2680 - Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2680, the Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025, aims to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The primary goals are to eliminate reduced-price breakfasts and lunches and to raise the income eligibility threshold for free breakfasts and lunches to 224% of the poverty level. The bill also includes provisions for direct certification of children receiving Medicaid benefits and retroactive reimbursement for eligible meals.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly increase the number of students eligible for free school meals. It would also remove the administrative burden associated with managing reduced-price meal programs. This could lead to improved nutrition for low-income children and reduced stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to nutritious meals for children from low-income families.
- Simplified administrative processes for schools by eliminating the reduced-price meal category.
- Potential for improved academic performance and health outcomes for students due to better nutrition.
- Direct certification through Medicaid aims to streamline enrollment and reduce paperwork for families.
- Retroactive reimbursement ensures schools are compensated for meals provided to newly eligible students.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for the federal government to cover the expanded free meal program.
- Potential strain on school food service budgets and resources to meet increased demand.
- Possible need for additional funding or adjustments to the program to ensure sustainability.
- Concerns about the accuracy of income verification through Medicaid and potential for errors.
- Some may argue that raising the eligibility threshold could lead to some families receiving benefits who do not truly need them.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily based on the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to provide for the well-being of the nation. The expansion of school meal programs can be argued as promoting the general welfare by ensuring children have access to adequate nutrition, which can positively impact their health and education. However, some may argue that such programs exceed the enumerated powers of the federal government and should be handled at the state level, raising questions of federalism.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).