This bill was introduced in the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled at this time. The bill is considered active as it waits for further committee action.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Unlikely to pass
While school nutrition is a popular topic, the bill includes specific labor and management requirements that may face opposition in a divided Congress.
Key Points
This bill creates a five-year pilot program to help schools move away from processed foods. It offers grants to schools so they can cook meals from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients instead of pre-packaged items.
Schools can use the money to buy new kitchen equipment, renovate cafeterias, and train staff on how to prepare fresh recipes. The funds can also be used to pay workers for the extra time needed to prepare fresh food.
The program gives priority to schools that serve a high number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. It also favors schools that manage their own food programs and have unionized workers.
The bill authorizes 20 million dollars in spending each year from 2027 through 2031. Schools that receive the grants must report on how much they increased their use of fresh ingredients and scratch-cooked meals.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
May 20, 2026Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
May 20, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act of 2026
Bill NumberS 4599
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
