This Act may be cited as the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026.

Section 9(b)(13) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(13)U.S. Code — Title 42, Section 1758(b)(13)View official source on GovInfo) is amended by striking on behalf of and all that follows through provision of law,.

(a) In general Not later than October 1, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to Congress a report on the feasibility and cost of establishing procedures under which children who are members of a household of a member of a uniformed service may be certified as eligible for free or reduced price lunches under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.U.S. Code — Title 42, Section 1751 and followingView official source on GovInfo) and free or reduced price breakfasts under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773U.S. Code — Title 42, Section 1773View official source on GovInfo) without further application. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall evaluate a range of options for implementing the direct certification described in that subsection, including— (1) the use and sharing of data collected for the calculation of the basic needs allowance under section 402b of title 37, United States Code, and other assistance programs for members of a uniformed service; and (2) the exclusion of non-service member income from the calculation of household income under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.U.S. Code — Title 42, Section 1751 and followingView official source on GovInfo).