CARE for Kids Act of 2024

The CARE for Kids Act of 2024 expands automatic eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act. It directly affects children in specific caregiving situations - such as those with kinship caregivers (including grandparents), children receiving adoption or kinship guardianship payments, and children in Native American housing programs - by allowing schools to automatically enroll them without additional paperwork. Key provisions include adding new categories for direct certification (like children with Medicaid medical assistance tied to foster care or tribal programs) and extending eligibility when children transfer schools, provided they’re living with a relative who has legal custody or authority. The bill aims to reduce administrative barriers for vulnerable children to access school meals.