Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act

Priority in the award of grants may be given to entities (i.e., a school or a school food authority) that (1) serve schools in which at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, (2) serve schools in food deserts, or (3) provide nutrition education to students. Under the bill, food desert is defined as a census tract with a substantial share of residents who live in low-income areas that have low levels of access to a grocery store or a healthy, affordable food retail outlet.

Eligible entities must use the grant funds to award schools a one-time payment for the anticipated cost of installing a salad bar, including the purchase of any required durable equipment.

USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes recommendations for promoting and establishing more salad bars in schools.