Food for Thought Act

Summary#

This bill (Food for Thought Act of 2026) would add a new program to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Food and Nutrition Service, would award competitive grants (up to 2 years each) to eligible colleges and related entities to provide free meals, including snacks, to low-income students. Eligible institutions include colleges where at least 20% of undergraduates are Pell Grant recipients, community colleges, Tribal colleges or universities, and other minority-serving institutions. Grants may be used to prepare or purchase meals, do outreach to students, evaluate and change institutional meal policies, and support other program activities. Meals must meet nutrition requirements consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The bill also requires data sharing and a memorandum of understanding between USDA and the Department of Education, reporting by grantees to the Secretary, and two evaluation reports from the Secretary to Congress. It authorizes appropriations "such sums as are necessary" for fiscal years 2027–2032. The bill also amends the Higher Education Act so benefits from this meal program are not treated as "other financial assistance" for a specified financial aid rule.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a low-income student at an eligible college, your school could receive federal grant money to offer you 1 to 10 free meals per week. Priority for meals goes to students who receive Pell Grants, report or are at risk of food insecurity or homelessness, or work in work-study programs.
  • Colleges and campus food providers can apply for competitive grants and must describe outreach plans and how they will identify and serve eligible students.
  • Receiving a meal through this program would not count toward determining SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility.
  • The program includes nutrition rules and requires colleges to report on food insecurity, the use of funds, and student completion outcomes.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes "such sums as are necessary" for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032. No specific dollar amounts or cost estimates are provided in the text.
  • Grants may last no more than 2 years each.
  • An eligible entity may use up to 20% of its grant to purchase equipment.
  • The bill requires reporting and evaluations but does not specify administrative cost limits beyond the uses described.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill text frames the program to address student food insecurity by providing free meals to low-income college students.
  • It includes steps to identify and reach students, to link students to other benefit programs (such as SNAP), and to measure effects on retention and degree completion.
  • The bill prioritizes community colleges, Tribal colleges and universities, historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions in grant awards.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.