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Bill

S 5184

FORK Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Jeff Merkley and 2 co-sponsors

Establish a Summer Meal Delivery Vehicle Pilot Program to deliver nutritious meals to eligible children by vehicle networks during the summer and evaluate feasibility and impact.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5184

Overview

S 5184 (119th Congress) is a bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act in order to establish a Summer Meal Delivery Vehicle Pilot Program, along with related provisions. It is sponsored (or co-sponsored) by Senators Wyden, Merkley, and Welch. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on July 30, 2026.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a pilot program to deliver summer meals to eligible children via dedicated delivery vehicles.
  • Expand access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school-based meal service is not in session.
  • Explore a scalable model for delivering summer meals beyond traditional in-school or church-based sites, potentially reaching families in underserved or rural areas.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to create a Summer Meal Delivery Vehicle Pilot Program.
  • Defines objectives of the pilot, including:
    • Reaching eligible children with nutritious meals during summer.
    • Evaluating operational feasibility, cost, and logistics of delivering meals by vehicle networks.
    • Assessing impact on participation rates, food security, and child health outcomes during the summer months.
  • Details of the pilot (as commonly proposed in such amendments) may include:
    • Geographic scope (e.g., certain districts, counties, or regions to begin).
    • Number and type of delivery vehicles (e.g., vans, buses, or refrigerated units).
    • Schedule and frequency of meals (e.g., daily or multiple days per week).
    • Meal types and adherence to federal meal patterns and nutrition standards.
    • Partnerships with schools, local governments, community organizations, transportation providers, or meal service contractors.
    • Reimbursement mechanisms under federal child nutrition programs and any funding allocations or authorization levels.
  • Evaluation and reporting requirements:
    • Regular reporting on participation, meals served, operational costs, and logistics performance.
    • Assessment of barriers to access and suggestions for program expansion or statutory changes.
  • Authorization and funding:
    • Likely includes a described funding mechanism (authorization of appropriations or use of existing program funds) for the duration of the pilot.
    • Timelines for program start, pilot duration, and reporting milestones.

Who would be affected

  • Eligible children and families in participating communities who would receive summer meals.
  • Local school districts, state agencies, or community organizations partnering to operate delivery vehicles.
  • Vendors, transportation providers, and nonprofit entities involved in meal preparation and delivery.
  • Federal program administration under the National School Lunch Act, including USDA program oversight and funding allocations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Current status: Introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (as of July 30, 2026).
  • Next steps likely include committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor action.
  • The bill would implement a pilot with defined duration, evaluation, and reporting requirements, followed by potential expansion decisions based on pilot results.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Could significantly improve summer nutrition access for children who rely on school meals during the academic year.
  • May require robust coordination with transportation partners and adherence to federal nutrition standards for meals.
  • Evaluation will inform whether a broader nationwide expansion is feasible and cost-effective.
  • Funding levels and administrative burden on participating entities will influence the pilot’s practicality and success.

Note: Some operational details (e.g., exact geographic scope, funding amounts, and specific delivery specifications) are typical elements of a bill of this nature but are not fully specified in the public summary provided. The Committee's markup and accompanying fiscal notes would provide precise figures and implementation mechanics once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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