Legis Daily

Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4599| Senate 
| Updated: 5/20/2026
Adam B. Schiff

Adam B. Schiff

Democratic Senator

California

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by establishing a new pilot program designed to promote scratch cooking in school meal programs. The program defines scratch cooking as the preparation of food using unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients. The Secretary of Agriculture would be tasked with establishing this competitive grant program within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Grants awarded under this program would last for two school years, supporting various activities to enhance scratch cooking capabilities. Eligible uses include: professional development and training for staff purchasing cafeteria equipment or making infrastructure modifications compensating employees for additional food preparation providing technical assistance and pupil engagement related to scratch cooking The bill also authorizes $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund the program. Priority for these grants would be given to school food authorities that serve the greatest proportion of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Additional priority factors include being self-operated or committing to becoming so, and having employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement or committing to negotiating one. Grant recipients would also be required to collaborate with a new technical assistance and resource center to conduct needs assessments and develop strategic plans.
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Timeline
May 20, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 20, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  • May 20, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 20, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Agriculture and Food

Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4599| Senate 
| Updated: 5/20/2026
This bill proposes to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by establishing a new pilot program designed to promote scratch cooking in school meal programs. The program defines scratch cooking as the preparation of food using unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients. The Secretary of Agriculture would be tasked with establishing this competitive grant program within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Grants awarded under this program would last for two school years, supporting various activities to enhance scratch cooking capabilities. Eligible uses include: professional development and training for staff purchasing cafeteria equipment or making infrastructure modifications compensating employees for additional food preparation providing technical assistance and pupil engagement related to scratch cooking The bill also authorizes $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund the program. Priority for these grants would be given to school food authorities that serve the greatest proportion of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Additional priority factors include being self-operated or committing to becoming so, and having employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement or committing to negotiating one. Grant recipients would also be required to collaborate with a new technical assistance and resource center to conduct needs assessments and develop strategic plans.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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Timeline
May 20, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 20, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  • May 20, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 20, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Adam B. Schiff

Adam B. Schiff

Democratic Senator

California

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Agriculture and Food

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted