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Published: March 18, 2025
School meal programs are important in fighting child hunger.
When students participate in school meals programs, their behavior, comprehension, and attendance improve.
The meals they receive at home are just as important, and that’s why the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for families struggling with food insecurity.
Nutritious meals prepare children for learning and shape their food choices and health outcomes as adults.
Help students get the healthy meals they need. Ask Congress to fund free school meals for all students, hands-on training and professional development for school food-service staff, and up-to-date equipment for school kitchens, and to protect and strengthen SNAP—our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program.
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Looking for more ways to take action?
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NEA Urges Senate Agriculture Committee to Vote NO on Farm Bill
Submitted on September 15, 2026
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FNA-2026-0034; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing
Submitted on September 8, 2026
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VOTE NO on the Farm Bill
Submitted on August 4, 2026
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
S 5429 Hot Meals for College Students Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 17, 2026
This bill will allow for college students to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot and prepared meals from on-campus vendors.
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Support
S 5432 Food for Thought Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 17, 2026
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a grant program for colleges to offer free meals to low-income students.
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Support
HR 9581 Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on July 2, 2026
This bill establishes a USDA pilot program that would give households making 80% AMI or less $60/month to spend on produce. Households can use these funds at farmers' markets, farm stands, and small and large grocery stores to purchase fruits and vegetables, herbs, or fruit/vegetable plant starts. This program is designed to complement and build on existing nutrition benefits to reach households struggling with the higher cost of groceries and at the highest risk of food insecurity.
Our History of Fighting for Child Nutrition
1946
School Lunch Program Esablished
President Truman signs the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, providing low-cost or free school lunch meals to qualified students through subsidies to schools.
1966
School Meals now Include Breakfast
President Johnson signs the Child Nutrition Act, building on the National School Lunch Act and creating the School Breakfast Program.
1998
Expanded the Federal Subsidies
President Clinton signs the William Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, extending authorizations for child nutrition programs.
2004
Tackling Nutrition and Physical Activity
President George W. Bush signs the Child Nutrition and Women Infants and Children Reauthorization Act of 2004, which requires school districts with federally funded school meal programs to have policies addressing nutrition and physical activity.
2010
Making School Meals Healthier, More Available
President Obama signs the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which funds child nutrition programs, sets new nutrition standards for schools, and creates the Community Eligibility Provision, allowing all students in certain high-poverty schools to eat meals at no charge.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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Speak Up For Students and Public Schools
When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
