H.R.739 - Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.739, the Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act, aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase the availability of salad bars in schools. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a plan to promote salad bars, provide training and technical assistance, and create a grant program for schools to purchase salad bar equipment. The Act emphasizes improving children's eating habits by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in schools.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is an increase in the number of salad bars in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. This could lead to improved nutritional intake among students, particularly those from low-income families. The bill also mandates reporting and evaluation to assess the program's effectiveness.
Potential Benefits
- Increased fruit and vegetable consumption among students.
- Improved nutritional habits and health outcomes for children.
- Support for schools in meeting nutrition standards.
- Promotion of healthier school environments.
- Potential for nutrition education and parent engagement.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill prohibits new appropriations, relying on existing funds, which may strain resources.
- The grant program terminates after 5 years, potentially limiting long-term impact.
- Success depends on effective implementation and participation by schools and eligible entities.
- Potential for increased food waste if students do not select items from the salad bars.
- The bill's effectiveness is contingent on the Secretary's plan and execution.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of school children through nutritional initiatives. Specifically, the bill falls under Congress's power to regulate and provide for programs related to education and nutrition, which are not explicitly prohibited by the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill operates within the scope of federal programs and funding related to national school lunch programs.
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).