Protein for Every Plate Act of 2026

The Protein for Every Plate Act of 2026 aims to address food insecurity by increasing the availability of meat and poultry at local food pantries. If enacted, the bill would provide an additional $200 million in funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically for the procurement of animal protein. These funds would be directed through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which supplies food banks and community organizations that serve low-income families.

The proposal is intended to help food assistance programs manage rising grocery costs and supply gaps that often make expensive items like meat difficult to keep in stock. By increasing federal purchases of these products for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the bill seeks to ensure that vulnerable households have consistent access to high-quality protein sources. Additionally, the increased government demand would provide a steady revenue stream for domestic meat and poultry producers and processors.