The bipartisan Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act of 2026 was introduced in the House by Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) and House Agriculture Committee Chair, G.T. Thompson (R-PA).
The School Nutrition Association thanks Rep. McDonald Rivet and Chairman Thompson for listening to school nutrition professionals who shared how much serving minimally processed, local food means to their students and communities.
“The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act is a smart investment in the health of our students and communities,” said SNA President Stephanie Dillard, MS, SNS. “The bill will provide school meal programs critical, additional funds to boost local purchases, exposing students to a wider variety of nutritious choices and strengthening support for farmers and producers close to home.”
Key provisions:
- Establishes a dedicated funding stream so schools can serve more minimally processed, locally produced food in school meals.
- Provides $200 million annually in mandatory funding through the Commodity Credit Corporation, plus authorization for up to $200 million more per year in discretionary appropriations.
Take action today on SNA’s Action Network to urge your Members of Congress to cosponsor the Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act of 2026.
The bill has been endorsed by the School Nutrition Association, Michigan Farmers Union, Michigan Farm Bureau, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Feeding America, National Farm to School Network, American Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Council, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Feeding Pennsylvania, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Chef Ann Foundation, Food Research and Action Center, and School Superintendent’s Association.
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