University Pandemic Planning

434 lawmakers, including 89 new freshman Members, were sworn in to the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019. Photo by Phi Nguyen.

The American Food for American Schools Act * would strengthen the existing “Buy America” provision to the existing National School Lunch Program.

First, it would establish a waiver process for schools to purchase foreign food items, requiring permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Then the waiver would have to be publicly posted online, and emailed to parents or guardians of the students attending the school.

Only two conditions could suffice for a waiver to buy foreign foods. One is if the items are not sufficiently produced or reasonably available from American producers. The other is if the costs of the American product is “significantly” more expensive than its foreign alternative.

*During GOVTRACK’S “Pause” you may access the draft legislation at the link below:

H.R. 1066 / AMERICAN FOOD FOR AMERICAN SCHOOLS ACT OF 2019