Summer Meals REACH Act of 2026

This legislation, titled the Summer Meals REACH Act of 2026, introduces significant amendments to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, primarily focusing on the Summer Food Service Program for Children. A key provision allows for noncongregate meal service , enabling children to receive and consume meals off-site, starting the first summer after the bill's enactment. States are directed to identify areas lacking congregate meal service that would most benefit from these noncongregate options. The Secretary is also mandated to issue regulations to ensure the integrity of noncongregate meals, incorporating best practices from previous demonstration projects. Furthermore, the bill establishes universal eligibility , stating that all children shall be eligible to participate in the summer food program, removing previous participation restrictions. This change is supported by corresponding amendments ensuring payments are made for meals served to all children. The legislation also provides flexibility by allowing food service monitoring to be conducted either onsite or offsite, streamlining program administration and broadening access to nutritious summer meals for children.