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119-s-5495119th CongressWALLET

Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

Excluding military housing pay from school meal income tests would make more children in military families eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill also directs USDA and the Department of Defense to study direct-certification options that could enroll eligible military dependents without a separate school application.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More meal help for military families

This bill would exclude Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from household income when applying for free or reduced-price school meals. It would also cover school breakfast programs under the child nutrition laws. The Agriculture Secretary, with the Defense Secretary, would report to Congress by October 1, 2026. The report would study the cost and feasibility of directly certifying children in military households for free or reduced meals. The report would consider using data from military housing and assistance programs, including the Basic Needs Allowance. It would also consider options to exclude non-service member income when certifying children.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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