Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025

# Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would expand a federal program that helps schools buy fresh fruits and vegetables grown by American farmers. Currently, the program operates in a maximum of 8 states. If passed, it would grow to 14 states, allowing more schools across the country to purchase locally-grown produce for their lunch programs. The bill would also provide funding for the program through 2030. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill would benefit schoolchildren, American farmers (especially small and local producers), and participating states.

Key additions include: expanded state participation, new reporting requirements to track the program's success, special attention to serving low-income communities and disadvantaged populations, and evaluation of the program's economic impact on local farming communities. Schools would continue serving fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables to students through their lunch programs. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 5234, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington state.