Stop Child Hunger Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 6, 2025
Bottom line
The bill broadens a key child nutrition program to provide food assistance during any significant school closure, aiming to address child hunger beyond just the summer months.
What it actually does
This bill expands the existing Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program to provide food assistance during any period when schools are closed for five or more consecutive weekdays, in addition to the traditional summer months. It also adjusts the federal share of administrative expenses for states, starting at 100% and gradually decreasing to 50%, and allocates $50 million in grants for states to develop or upgrade necessary data systems.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is crucial for addressing child hunger, recognizing that food insecurity is not limited to summer but can occur whenever schools are closed for extended periods, such as during natural disasters, public health emergencies, or even extended holiday breaks. They highlight the importance of consistent access to nutritious food for children's development and academic performance.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the expanded scope and associated costs, particularly the initial 100% federal funding for administrative expenses, arguing it could create a significant financial burden on federal taxpayers. They might also question the administrative feasibility for states to implement benefits for various, potentially unpredictable, school closure periods.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(1), (2), (3), (5) of H.R. 3217, amending Section 13A(a), (b), (c), (h) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Extends Summer EBT Benefits to School Closure Periods
This provision expands the existing Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program to provide food assistance not only during summer months but also during any 'school closure period.' A 'school closure period' is defined as 5 or more consecutive weekdays when an elementary or secondary school is closed, operating remotely, or operating in a hybrid manner. This ensures children eligible for free or reduced-price meals continue to receive support during unexpected or planned extended breaks outside of summer.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this expansion is critical to combat child hunger, which does not cease when school is out for reasons other than summer break. It provides a vital safety net, ensuring children have access to nutritious food regardless of the school's operational status, thereby supporting their health and learning.
Critics contend
Some might argue that expanding the program to cover all school closure periods could be administratively complex and costly for states to manage, especially for unpredictable closures. Concerns about potential fraud or misuse of benefits might also be raised.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the goal of alleviating child hunger with potential increases in administrative complexity and federal expenditure.
Section 2(2)(A)(ii) of H.R. 3217, amending Section 13A(b)(2) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Sets Minimum Benefit Amount for Summer and School Closure EBT
For calendar year 2025 and each year thereafter, the bill mandates that the benefit amount provided through the Summer EBT program (now including school closure periods) must be no less than the value of breakfast, lunch, and a snack at the free rate for each day of the summer months or school closure period. This standardizes and potentially increases the minimum benefit compared to previous calculations.
Section 2(4) of H.R. 3217, amending Section 13A(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Adjusts Federal Funding for State Administrative Costs
This provision changes the federal share of administrative expenses for state agencies and Indian Tribal organizations implementing the Summer EBT program. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the federal government will cover 100% of these expenses. This share will then gradually decrease by 10% each fiscal year until it reaches 50% in fiscal year 2031 and remains at that level thereafter. Previously, the federal share was 50%.
Section 2(6) of H.R. 3217, adding new Section 13A(i) to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Establishes Grants for Data System Development
The bill authorizes the Secretary to create a grant program for states. These grants are specifically intended to support the development of new data systems or upgrades to existing ones, which are necessary for states to effectively implement the expanded Summer EBT program, including the new school closure provisions. The bill appropriates $50,000,000 for this purpose, available until expended, on October 1, 2025.
Defines 'school closure period' as a period in which an elementary or secondary school is closed, operating remotely, or operating in a hybrid manner for 5 or more consecutive weekdays during a calendar year.
Section 2(5) of H.R. 3217, adding new Section 13A(h)(5) to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to consolidate definitions at the end of a section or bill. It is not necessarily evasive.
Case for: Supporters would argue that a clear, consistent definition is essential for states to accurately determine eligibility and duration of benefits, ensuring equitable application across various types of school disruptions.
Case against: Critics might argue that the '5 or more consecutive weekdays' threshold could exclude shorter, but still impactful, closures, or that the inclusion of 'operating remotely' or 'hybrid' could lead to administrative complexities in determining eligibility when schools are not fully 'closed.'
Estimated impact: This definition significantly broadens the applicability of the Summer EBT program beyond traditional summer breaks, potentially increasing the number of eligible benefit days and associated costs.