Summary
Democratic-led states are suing to stop new USDA rules that could cut funding for school lunch programs. They say the rules violate federal law by adding conditions involving gender identity and immigration. The lawsuit warns that these conditions could leave millions of children without free or reduced-price meals.
Key Facts
- 21 states and the District of Columbia are part of the lawsuit.
- States argue USDA's "2026 Conditions" unlawfully threaten school meal funding.
- New rules link meal reimbursements to compliance with broad, unclear policies.
- Concerns include policies on gender identity, women’s sports, and immigration.
- An estimated 15 million students use the school breakfast program; 29 million use the lunch program.
- The lawsuit claims that these rules go against Congress's instructions for school meal programs.
- Schools may find it hard to separate meal funds from other school activities.
- The USDA has not commented on the lawsuit.
