The Local Foods for Healthy Schools Act of 2026 establishes a federal program that directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase locally grown and produced food and distribute it to schools participating in federal meal programs. The program will work through agreements with state and local government agencies, which can either buy local foods directly from nearby farmers and producers or provide funds to schools to make their own purchases. Eligible local foods include minimally processed agricultural products sourced from within the same state or within a 400-mile radius of the school, and up to 5 percent of funds can be used for training, food safety certification, oversight, and administration. The legislation provides $200 million annually in mandatory funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation beginning in fiscal year 2026, plus an additional $200 million annually available through appropriations, with the Secretary of Agriculture allowed to reserve up to half of one percent for federal administration. Participating governments must report on their food purchases and distribution within 90 days, and funds must supplement rather than replace existing state funding for school meals.
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