Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026

This bill changes how military families' income is counted for free and reduced-price school meals. It amends a section of the National School Lunch Act so that the basic allowance for housing paid to service members is excluded from household income. Under current law, this exclusion is tied to certain military housing; the bill removes that limiting language. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture, working with the Secretary of Defense, to report to Congress by October 1, 2026, on the feasibility and cost of letting children in service members' households qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches and breakfasts without filing an application.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Mike Levin Democrat sponsor
• 2 cosponsors