Rep. Carson Introduces Bill Requiring States to Provide Summer Food Benefits to Students
This bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and is currently sitting with the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not moved since it was referred to the committee on June 10, 2026. The bill is not actively moving forward, and it will likely remain stalled unless the committee decides to take action.
The bill faces a tough path because it forces states to run a program they currently choose to join. It also lacks support from the opposite party at this stage.
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School-age children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year would be guaranteed summer food benefits no matter what state they live in. Currently, some states have opted out of Summer EBT, leaving eligible kids without this support during the months when school meals aren't available. This bill closes that gap starting in summer 2027.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Rep. Andre Carson introduced the Summer Meals for Kids Act to mandate that all states participate in the Summer EBT program. The bill would integrate the program into the National School Lunch Program to ensure students have nutrition support during the summer months.
Representative André Carson's new legislation mandates nationwide participation in the Summer EBT program. By tying the benefits directly to the National School Lunch Program, the bill aims to eliminate state-level opt-outs that currently leave millions of children without meals.
While SUN Bucks will reach over 1 million children in North Carolina this summer, the program's long-term future depends on legislative action. Advocates are pushing for permanent funding and mandatory participation to prevent states from opting out in future years.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require participation in the summer EBT program as a condition of participating in the school lunch program, and for other purposes.
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