Contact Congress about H.R. 739: Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act

Schools could get training and one-time help paying to install salad bars. USDA would run the program for 5 years using money it already has, not new funding.

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Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Latest action on H.R. 739: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects schools that serve lunch through the National School Lunch Program. It also affects students who could see more fruits and vegetables at lunch. School food staff and school districts would handle the setup, training, space, staffing, and daily operation of salad bars.

Why this matters: School lunchrooms could offer more fresh options if schools get help adding salad bars. The bill focuses on schools where healthy food may be harder to access, including low-income schools and schools in food deserts. But the reach of the program depends on how USDA uses existing funds, because the bill does not provide new money.

Key provisions in H.R. 739

• USDA must create and carry out a national plan to promote salad bars in school lunch programs. It must do this within 90 days after the bill becomes law.
• USDA must help schools and school food authorities learn how to add and run salad bars. That help can include webinars, workshops, setup guides, nutrition education, and ways to involve parents.
• USDA must run a competitive grant program. Eligible schools or school food authorities would use grant money to give schools one-time payments for salad bar installation, including durable equipment worth more than $500.
• USDA may give some applicants priority. This can include schools where at least half of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, schools in food deserts, or schools that teach nutrition.
• The grant program would not be permanent. It would end 5 years after the bill becomes law.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 739

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 739

What is H.R. 739?

Schools could get training and one-time help paying to install salad bars. USDA would run the program for 5 years using money it already has, not new funding.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 739?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 739?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 739 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.