Food and family aid

What our breakdowns say each bill would mean for you, from groups whose heading contains SNAP, WIC, food aid, school lunch, school meal, cash aid, baby formula or cow's milk. Newest official action first.

6 bills39 points

H.R. 6500

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

Latest official action Sep 2, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you get food aid such as SNAP or WIC

Food programs keep running

Food aid under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 keeps going at the level current law requires, through December 11, 2026.
2
for activities under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, activities shall be continued at the rate to maintain program levels under current law[2] H.R. 6500 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. A, Sec. 111(a)to be continued through the date specified in section 106(3)[2] H.R. 6500 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. A, Sec. 111(a)December 11, 2026.[2] H.R. 6500 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. A, Sec. 106(3)
Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri said in debate that the bill keeps SNAP and WIC operating.
15
It keeps SNAP and WIC operating[15] Congressional Record, House debate, Sept. 1, 2026 (H5377) · H5384
WIC can be funded at the rate needed to maintain participation.
2
may be apportioned at the rate for operations necessary to maintain participation[2] H.R. 6500 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. A, Sec. 117
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program can be funded at the rate needed to keep its current caseload.
2
may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to maintain current program caseload in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program[2] H.R. 6500 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. A, Sec. 118

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 6500

H.R. 7148

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

Latest official action Feb 3, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you use a community health center or get family cash aid

Health centers and TANF extended

The Community Health Center Fund gets $4,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
2
$4,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and[2] Enrolled Bill · Div. J, Sec. 6401(a) → inserted (J)Extension for community health centers[2] Enrolled Bill · Div. J, Sec. 6401(a)
It gets $1,159,452,055 more for October 1 through December 31, 2026.
2
$1,159,452,055 for the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2026; and[2] Enrolled Bill · Div. J, Sec. 6401(a) → inserted (K)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families goes on through December 31, 2026, as it worked in fiscal year 2025, with a few listed exceptions.
2
Extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program[2] Enrolled Bill · Div. J, Sec. 6304(other than under section 403(c) or 418 of such Act) and section 1108(b) of the Social Security Act shall continue through December 31, 2026, in the manner authorized for fiscal year 2025[2] Enrolled Bill · Div. J, Sec. 6304

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 7148

S. 222

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025

Latest official action Jan 14, 2026 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If your child eats school lunch

Schools may offer whole milk, but they don't have to

Schools may offer whole, reduced-fat (2 percent), low-fat, or fat-free milk, flavored or plain.
5,14
may offer students options which may include flavored and unflavored organic or nonorganic whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free fluid milk[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(1)(A) → inserted (ii)whole and reduced-fat (2 percent) milk[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 1, Background
The milk can be organic or not.
5
flavored and unflavored organic or nonorganic whole[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(1)(A) → inserted (ii)
Schools must still offer a variety of milk, but no school has to add whole milk.
5,14
shall offer students a variety of fluid milk;[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(1)(A) → inserted (i)Program operators are not required, but are encouraged, to make changes to menus under this provision.[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 2, Final Rule
The group that runs your school's meals, called the school food authority, decides which kinds of milk to offer.
14
Program operators have discretion to decide which varieties of fluid milk to offer.[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 2, Final RuleIt also allows school food authorities (SFA) to exclude the saturated fat from fluid milk[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 1, Background
USDA's rule also allows whole and 2 percent milk for children 2 and older at school breakfast and in child care food programs.
14
allow whole and reduced-fat milk to be offered to Child Nutrition Program (CNP) participants ages two and up in the NSLP, School Breakfast Program (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and Special Milk Program (SMP)[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 1, Backgroundwhole and reduced-fat (2 percent) milk[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 1, Background
USDA gave schools guidance on January 14, 2026, the day the law was signed, and its formal rule took effect June 8, 2026.
1,14
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025--Implementation Requirements for the National School Lunch Program, January 14, 2026[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Footnote 52026-01-14 | Library of Congress | Signed by President.[1] Official bill status record for S. 222 · Actions, January 14, 2026This rule is effective June 8, 2026.[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Dates

If your child can't drink cow's milk

Nondairy drinks get easier to offer, and a parent can write the disability note

Schools may now offer nondairy drinks, such as soy milk, to any student as a regular choice.
1,5,7
and nondairy beverages that are nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk and meet the nutritional standards established by the Secretary[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(1)(A) → inserted (ii)allowing schools to offer all students nondairy beverages that are nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk[1] Official bill status record for S. 222 · CRS summary (Public Law, January 14, 2026)nondairy beverages, such as soy milk[7] Congressional Record, House, December 15, 2025 (H5857-H5861) · H5858, Rep. Scott
Before, schools could serve them only as a substitute for students with a disability or another medical or special dietary need.
8
shall provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(A)(iii)A school may substitute for the fluid milk provided under subparagraph (A), a nondairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(B)(i)for students who cannot consume fluid milk because of a medical or other special dietary need other than a disability described in subparagraph (A)(iii)[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(B)(i)
These drinks must be as nutritious as milk and fortified with calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D to cow's milk levels.
5
include fortification of calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D to levels found in cow's milk[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(1)(A) → inserted (ii)
A school that offers them this way no longer has to tell the state or wait for a written request first.
5,8
Subparagraph (B)(ii) is not applicable to a school that offers nondairy beverages under subparagraph (A)(ii).[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(3) → inserted (E)The substitutions may be made if the school notifies the State agency that the school is implementing a variation allowed under this subparagraph, and if the substitution is requested by written statement[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(B)(ii)
If your child has a disability that limits what they eat, the school must give a milk substitute once it gets a note. The note must name the disability and the substitute.
8
shall provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet, on receipt of a written statement[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(A)(iii)that identifies the disability that restricts the student's diet and that specifies the substitute for fluid milk[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(A)(iii)
You can now write that note yourself. It no longer has to come from a doctor.
5
in clause (iii), by striking physician and inserting physician, parent, or legal guardian[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(1)(B)

If you run a school meal program

Milk fat no longer counts against the fat limit

Fat from milk does not count as saturated fat when lunches are checked against USDA's limit.
5
Milk fat included in any fluid milk provided under subparagraph (A) shall not be considered saturated fat for purposes of measuring compliance with the allowable average saturated fat content of a meal[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(3) → inserted (D)
That limit says saturated fat must average less than 10 percent of the calories in meals.
14
Average saturated fat content of the meals offered to each age/grade group must be less than 10 percent of total calories[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Footnote 6
USDA's rule lets schools leave milk fat out of the count at breakfast too.
14
SFAs participating in the NSLP and SBP may exclude the saturated fat from fluid milk when calculating the weekly average saturated fat requirement at lunch and breakfast.[14] USDA Food and Nutrition Service final rule, Expanding Fluid Milk Options in Child Nutrition Programs, 91 Fed. Reg. 25073 (May 8, 2026) · Section 2, Final Rule
Schools may not limit the sale or marketing of any listed milk or nondairy drink at school or at school events.
5,8
shall not directly or indirectly restrict the sale or marketing of fluid milk products by the school (or by a person approved by the school) at any time or any place[8] 42 U.S.C. 1758, U.S. Code 2024 edition (school lunch program requirements, before the Act) · (a)(2)(C)by striking fluid milk products and inserting products described in subparagraph (A)(ii)[5] S. 222 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 2(a)(2)

Read the full breakdown of S. 222

S. 260

Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act

Latest official action Nov 25, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review

If you fly with breast milk or baby formula

New TSA guidance on clean handling during extra screening

If these items get a second or extra screening, TSA guidance must aim to lower the risk that they get contaminated.
2
shall issue or update, as the case may be, guidance to minimize the risk for contamination of any breast milk, baby formula, purified deionized water for infants, and juice[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3that is subject to re-screening or otherwise subject to additional screening[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3
This also covers infant water and juice, and the ice packs or gel packs that keep these items cool.
2
shall issue or update, as the case may be, guidance to minimize the risk for contamination of any breast milk, baby formula, purified deionized water for infants, and juice[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3as well as ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool breast milk, baby formula, and juice[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3
If extra screening calls for more testing, the guidance must make sure that testing follows hygiene standards. The TSA sets those standards after consulting nationally recognized maternal health groups.
2
ensure adherence to hygienic standards, as established by the Administrator, in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3(2)ensure that, when any such re-screening or additional screening requires additional testing, such testing so adheres to such standards, to so minimize such risk[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3(3)
The inspector general's audit must include how often these items are turned away after extra screening. That means kept out of the secure area past the checkpoint, where people board planes.
2,10
the rate at which such items are denied entry into the sterile area[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 4that is subject to re-screening or otherwise subject to additional screening[2] Enrolled Bill · Sec. 2 → inserted Sec. 3a portion of an airport defined in the airport security program that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access generally is controlled by TSA[10] 49 CFR 1540.5, TSA definitions (Code of Federal Regulations, 2025 edition) · Sterile area

Read the full breakdown of S. 260

H.R. 5371

Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026

Latest official action Nov 12, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you get SNAP or WIC

Food aid is funded for the full year

SNAP is funded for the whole fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2026.
5
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026[5] H.R. 5371 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 5For necessary expenses to carry out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), $107,481,218,000[5] H.R. 5371 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. B, Title IV, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Some of the money is held in reserve: $3 billion through September 30, 2027, and $3 billion through September 30, 2028. It is used only as needed to run the program.
5
of which $3,000,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2027, and $3,000,000,000, to remain available through September 30, 2028, shall be placed in reserve for use only in such amounts and at such times as may become necessary to carry out program operations[5] H.R. 5371 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. B, Title IV, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
WIC, the food program for women, infants, and children, gets $8.2 billion.
5
the special supplemental nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), $8,200,000,000[5] H.R. 5371 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. B, Title IV, WIC
School lunch and other child meal programs are funded for the year too.
1,5
except sections 17 and 21; $37,841,674,000 to remain available through September 30, 2027[5] H.R. 5371 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Div. B, Title IV, Child Nutrition ProgramsThe title also provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for Child Nutrition Programs[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 5371 · CRS summary (Public Law)

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 5371

H.R. 1

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Latest official action Jul 4, 2025 · Drafted by AI, awaiting review by two people

If you get SNAP food benefits

The time limit covers more adults

Adults without a qualifying exemption can get SNAP for only 3 months in 3 years unless they meet work rules.
1
SNAP law limits benefits to ABAWDs to 3 months out of a 36-month period, unless the participant meets the additional work-related requirements.[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 1 (actions, votes, CRS summaries) · CRS summary (Public Law), Sec. 10102
That rule used to stop after age 55. Now it covers adults up to age 65.
6,27
fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter over 55 years of age[27] 7 U.S.C. 2015, U.S. Code 2024 edition (SNAP eligibility) · (o)(3)(A)(ii)(III)under 18, or over 65, years of age;[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10102(a) → inserted (3)(A)
Parents used to be exempt if they cared for any dependent child. Now the child must be under 14.
6,27
a parent or other member of a household with responsibility for a dependent child;[27] 7 U.S.C. 2015, U.S. Code 2024 edition (SNAP eligibility) · (o)(3)(C)a parent or other member of a household with responsibility for a dependent child under 14 years of age;[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10102(a) → inserted (3)(C)
The law also ends the separate exemptions for homeless people, veterans, and some former foster youth, and adds one for American Indians.
1,6
the section generally requires homeless individuals, veterans, and certain foster care individuals to meet these work requirements.[1] Official bill status record for H.R. 1 (actions, votes, CRS summaries) · CRS summary (Public Law), Sec. 10102an Indian or an Urban Indian (as such terms are defined in paragraphs (13) and (28) of section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act); or[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10102(a) → inserted (3)(F)
Starting in fiscal year 2028, a state with a payment error rate of 6 percent or more must pay 5 to 15 percent of SNAP benefit costs.
6
beginning in fiscal year 2028, if the payment error rate of a State as determined under clause (ii) is—[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10105(a)(2) → inserted (2)(B)(i)equal to or greater than 6 percent but less than 8 percent, the Federal share of the cost of the allotment described in paragraph (1) for that State in a fiscal year shall be 95 percent, and the State share shall be 5 percent;[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10105(a)(2) → inserted (2)(B)(i)(II)equal to or greater than 10 percent, the Federal share of the cost of the allotment described in paragraph (1) for that State in a fiscal year shall be 85 percent, and the State share shall be 15 percent.[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10105(a)(2) → inserted (2)(B)(i)(IV)
If a state's error rate times 1.5 is 20 percent or more for fiscal year 2025, its cost share starts in fiscal year 2029 instead. If that is true for fiscal year 2026, it starts in fiscal year 2030.
6
If, for fiscal year 2025, the payment error rate of a State multiplied by 1.5 is equal to or above 20 percent, the implementation date under clause (i) for that State shall be fiscal year 2029.[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10105(a)(2) → inserted (2)(B)(iii)(I)If, for fiscal year 2026, the payment error rate of a State multiplied by 1.5 is equal to or above 20 percent, the implementation date under clause (i) for that State shall be fiscal year 2030.[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10105(a)(2) → inserted (2)(B)(iii)(II)
The federal share of SNAP office costs falls from 50 percent to 25 percent starting in fiscal year 2027.
6
through fiscal year 2026, 50 percent, and for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, 25 percent[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10106
Only citizens, green-card holders and a few other groups of immigrants can get SNAP.
6
a citizen or national of the United States;[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10108 → inserted (f)(2)(A)an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence as an immigrant as defined by sections 101(a)(15) and 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act[6] H.R. 1 as passed by both chambers (enrolled) · Sec. 10108 → inserted (f)(2)(B)

Read the full breakdown of H.R. 1

Breakdowns marked “Drafted by AI” passed our automatic checks and are waiting for human review, as shown on each bill page.