Aggressively pursue inclusion of the School Food Modernization Act in the next Child Nutrition Reauthorization or relevant appropriation.
Move the School Food Modernization Act by attaching it to legislative vehicles that are already moving, like Child Nutrition Reauthorization or appropriations. This work focuses on shaping the language, lining up support, and negotiating inclusion so modernization funding and training become part of the package. It’s the most direct path to sustained USDA support when standalone bills can stall.
Why this works
- Bundling it with must-pass or broader legislation increases chances – CNR is overdue and SFMA aligns with its goals (the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics listed SFMA in its CNR recommendations).
- Once in law, it unlocks sustained support through USDA.
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
AdvocacyProtecting and enhancing retirement and health security for seniors
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare uses funding
- Identify the legislative vehicles where inclusion is most feasible and map the decision points that control what’s in the package.
- Draft and refine modernization language so it is clear, enforceable, and usable by schools.
- Build a broad coalition that can provide endorsements, testimony, and consistent messaging.
- Meet with lawmakers and staff to secure inclusion and protect the provision during negotiations.
- Prepare plain-language briefs that connect kitchen capacity to healthier meals, faster service, and less waste.
- Track competing proposals and respond quickly so modernization is not crowded out.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Vehicle map and insertion plan set
EarlyThe most likely legislative vehicles and decision points are identified with a clear strategy for inclusion.
- 2
Draft modernization language ready
Before negotiationsText and supporting briefs are vetted and ready for lawmakers to use.
- 3
Coalition pressure synchronized
During package buildPartners deliver consistent endorsements, testimony, and briefings tied to the chosen vehicle.
- 4
Inclusion secured in draft text
As text finalizesModernization provisions appear in draft legislative text and survive key edits.
- 5
Passage and USDA runway defined
At decision pointThe vehicle advances with clear authority for USDA to deliver modernization support.