MEALS Act of 2025

The MEALS Act of 2025 would strengthen protections against theft of summer EBT benefits and establish a framework for compensating households when theft occurs. It amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Department of Agriculture (through the Secretary) to issue ongoing guidance on fraud-prevention measures, push state agencies and covered Indian Tribal organizations that participate in Summer EBT to adopt security standards, and implement a process to replace stolen benefits. It also creates reporting requirements and timelines, and directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to evaluate security risks and management of the program. In short, the bill aims to reduce summer EBT theft (through security upgrades and coordination) and provide a defined path for restitution to affected families, with oversight and data-sharing to inform improvements. Participation in the replacement program would be voluntary for states and tribal organizations, but once they elect to participate, they must follow the replacement procedures and meet the security and reporting requirements. Replacements are capped at the lesser of the stolen amount in a given period (and not previously replaced) or the household’s summer EBT allotment prior to theft. The act also sets timing for plan development, interim and final regulations, and a GAO evaluation to monitor progress and effectiveness.