S. 5460: Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act of 2026 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill would increase the federal reimbursements that school food authorities receive for serving school meals.

What changes for school lunches

Starting October 1, 2026, each school lunch served would get an extra 45 cents in federal reimbursement. The bill says this increase would be added on top of the existing meal payment amount.

Beginning July 1, 2027, that 45-cent amount would be automatically adjusted over time using the same inflation-based formula already used in the school lunch program.

What changes for school breakfasts

Starting October 1, 2026, each school breakfast served would get an extra 28 cents in federal reimbursement. This would apply to:

Free breakfasts
Reduced-price breakfasts
Breakfasts served to students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price meals

Beginning July 1, 2027, this 28-cent increase would also be adjusted over time using the same inflation-based formula.

Overall effect

The bill would not change who is eligible for school meals, but it would provide more federal funding per meal to schools and school food programs. In practical terms, schools would receive more money for each lunch and breakfast they serve beginning in the fall of 2026.