The School Food Modernization Act authorizes the Department of Agriculture to help schools upgrade their food service facilities and equipment through loan guarantees and grants. Schools, school districts, and tribal organizations would be eligible to borrow money to build or renovate kitchens, cafeterias, and food preparation areas, or purchase cooking and food storage equipment, with the federal government guaranteeing up to 80 percent of each loan. The bill also creates a $35 million grant program over six years, beginning in 2024, to help schools purchase equipment needed to serve healthy meals and improve food safety. Additionally, the bill funds training programs for school food service workers through $10 million annually from 2024 to 2029, directing grants to nonprofits, colleges, and technical schools that teach nutrition standards and food service skills. The legislation requires the Agriculture Department to study how states use administrative funds for school nutrition training and report back to Congress within 18 months.
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