School Food Modernization Act
Sponsored By: Representative DeSaulnier
Introduced
Summary
Modernizing school food infrastructure by creating federal loan guarantees, equipment grants, and nationwide training to help schools serve healthier, safer meals and upgrade kitchens and dining spaces. The bill would target funds and technical help to districts and tribal schools with the greatest need.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Backed loans to upgrade school kitchens
If enacted, USDA would guarantee loans to help schools build or fix kitchens and buy durable equipment. Each guarantee would cover up to 80% of a loan. The bill would reserve $300 million in guarantee authority and allow up to 5% for technical help. Fees would be set to cover guarantee costs, and schools with the greatest need would get preference.
State grants to buy kitchen equipment
Starting in FY2026, and only if Congress funds it, states would get money for competitive subgrants. Schools and tribes could buy kitchen and food service equipment and improve food safety. About $35 million per year would be authorized through FY2031. States would prefer applicants with the greatest need. Up to 5% could fund technical help.
Who can apply and qualifying equipment
The bill would set definitions for the new school food funding programs. Eligible applicants would be school districts or school food authorities, tribal organizations, or consortia. "Durable equipment" would mean items over $500, like cooking, serving, or storage gear. "Infrastructure" would include kitchens, cafeterias, dining rooms, storage, and food prep areas.
Grants to train school food staff
Starting in FY2026, the bill would fund $10 million per year in competitive grants. Nonprofits, colleges, or career schools would train school food staff to meet nutrition standards and improve service. Federal funds could pay up to 80% of costs; grantees must match in cash or in-kind. Up to 5% could support technical help and outreach. The program would run through FY2031.
Cuts $45 million from Education admin
The bill would take $45 million from the Department of Education’s unobligated administrative funds. This would reduce the agency’s available admin budget, not a specific school program.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
DeSaulnier
CA • D
Cosponsors
Thompson (PA)
PA • R
Sponsored 10/10/2025
Harder (CA)
CA • D
Sponsored 10/17/2025
Pocan
WI • D
Sponsored 11/17/2025
Keating
MA • D
Sponsored 11/18/2025
Thompson (CA)
CA • D
Sponsored 11/18/2025
Cohen
TN • D
Sponsored 3/12/2026
Whitesides
CA • D
Sponsored 3/25/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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