S.1622 - Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1622, the Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025, aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The primary goal is to expand the summer electronic benefits transfer (EBT) program to include benefit transfers during school closures. This expansion seeks to provide nutritional support to children who rely on school meals, even when schools are not in session.
Expected Effects
The bill will broaden the scope of the summer EBT program. It will ensure that eligible children receive food benefits during unexpected school closures, such as those caused by pandemics or natural disasters. The bill also adjusts the federal government's contribution to state administrative costs over several years.
Potential Benefits
- Provides consistent access to nutrition for children during school closures.
- Reduces food insecurity among low-income families.
- Supports state efforts to develop and upgrade data systems for efficient benefit distribution.
- Increases the value of benefits to cover breakfast, lunch, and a snack.
- Offers financial relief to families during challenging times.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on state agencies to manage expanded program.
- Potential for fraud or misuse of benefits.
- Initial costs for developing or upgrading data systems may strain state budgets.
- Gradual reduction in federal administrative expense reimbursement may shift financial burden to states.
- Possible challenges in reaching all eligible families, especially in rural areas.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). The expansion of food assistance programs falls under Congress's power to provide for the well-being of its citizens. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).