Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would create a new federal grant program to help schools keep their libraries open during the summer. It specifically helps schools that already provide free summer lunches to their students.
• The program focuses on schools where many young students are struggling to read at their grade level. By keeping libraries open, the bill aims to prevent kids from falling behind while they are away from the classroom.
• State library agencies would receive the federal money and then give it to local schools. To get the money, schools must promise to run a reading program for at least six weeks during the summer break.
• The bill asks for $5 million in funding each year from 2027 through 2031. Schools can use this money to hire and train staff to teach reading and to work with local community partners on educational activities.

Impact Analysis

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