Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act
Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act
Plain Language Summary
# Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act – Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would have the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) create a five-year program offering grants to schools to help them install and operate salad bars in their cafeterias. Schools would receive one-time payments to cover the cost of purchasing and installing salad bar equipment.
The program prioritizes schools serving low-income students, schools in areas with limited access to healthy food (called "food deserts"), and schools that teach students about nutrition. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily benefits students in lower-income schools and underserved communities. It would affect school districts and food service providers who manage school lunch programs, as well as the USDA, which would administer the grant program and report on its outcomes. **Current status:** The bill (HR 739) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and is currently under review in a congressional committee. It has not yet been passed into law.
CRS Official Summary
Salad Bars in Schools Expansion ActThis bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish and implement a plan, including through a five-year program of competitive grants, to promote the use of salad bars in schools participating in the school lunch program.Priority in the award of grants may be given to entities (i.e., a school or a school food authority) that (1) serve schools in which at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, (2) serve schools in food deserts, or (3) provide nutrition education to students. Under the bill, food desert is defined as a census tract with a substantial share of residents who live in low-income areas that have low levels of access to a grocery store or a healthy, affordable food retail outlet.Eligible entities must use the grant funds to award schools a one-time payment for the anticipated cost of installing a salad bar, including the purchase of any required durable equipment.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes recommendations for promoting and establishing more salad bars in schools.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.