Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026

This bill aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to improve access to school meals for children of uniformed service members. A key provision is the exclusion of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the calculation of household income, which is intended to increase eligibility for free and reduced-price lunches and breakfasts. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, submit a report by October 1, 2026. This report must assess the feasibility and cost of establishing direct certification procedures for these children, evaluating options such as using data from the basic needs allowance and excluding non-service member income. The overall goal is to streamline the application process and ensure more military dependents receive necessary meal assistance.