S. 5318: Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026

This bill would create a new federal grant program to support summer early reading programs at schools that already serve summer meals.

What the program would do

The Secretary of Education would award competitive grants to state library administrative agencies. Those state agencies would then give out competitive subgrants to eligible local school districts or other local educational agencies.

Which schools could participate

A school district would be eligible only if it meets both of these conditions:

• It serves summer lunch at one or more schools through the federal summer food service program or the seamless summer option.
• At the school, at least 50% of students in pre-K through grade 3 are either reading below grade level in third grade or are considered at risk of doing so.

What the funded programs would include

The summer early reading program would have to run for at least 6 weeks during the summer. It would be held at a school that has a summer lunch site and would provide students with:

• access to the school library, and
• literacy activities or other expanded learning opportunities.

How grants would be awarded

State library agencies would have to apply to the Education Secretary for funds and explain how they would distribute subgrants, how they would notify schools, what standards they would require, and how they would ensure that each selected school district runs a program at each of its summer lunch sites.

School districts applying for subgrants would have to describe:

• which summer lunch sites would participate,
• proof that they meet the eligibility rules,
• the reading program they plan to offer, and
• how community partners would be involved.

When deciding who gets money, state agencies would consider the number of lunch sites and the number of students served, along with any other criteria they set.

How the money could be used

School districts receiving subgrants would use the money to work with community partners to:

• develop and run the summer reading program,
• carry out related activities and strategies, and
• hire and train appropriate personnel to teach the program during the summer.

Reporting and funding

State agencies and school districts would have to submit yearly reports on progress toward the grant’s goals. The bill would authorize $5 million per year from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Relevant Companies

None found