Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026

The Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026 authorizes the Department of Education to provide competitive grants to state library agencies, which then distribute subgrants to local school districts for summer early reading programs. These funds are specifically targeted at schools that operate summer meal sites and have a significant portion of their young students struggling with or at risk of falling behind in reading. The bill requires participating schools to offer at least six weeks of literacy activities and expanded learning opportunities, including access to the school library, while encouraging collaboration with community partners. Appropriations for this initiative are authorized at $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.