This bill renames the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" to the "Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act" in honor of her civil rights advocacy and contributions to the program, while recognizing that Russell opposed civil rights.
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Representative
NJ-12
The "Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025" renames the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to the Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act. This change recognizes Jean E. Fairfax's extensive contributions to the program and her advocacy for marginalized communities. The renaming also addresses concerns about the current namesake's opposition to civil rights. All references to the previous name in existing legislation will be updated accordingly.
National School Lunch Program Gets New Name: Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act Honors Civil Rights Pioneer
The "Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025" does exactly what it says on the tin: it swaps out the old name, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, for a new one honoring civil rights activist Jean E. Fairfax. This isn't just a cosmetic change; it's a recognition of Fairfax's decades of work fighting for equitable education and making sure marginalized communities had a seat at the table—literally, in this case, at the lunch table.
Fairfax's Legacy
This bill, in Section 2, lays out the receipts on Fairfax's impact. We're talking about someone who helped Black families navigate school integration, pushed back against employment discrimination, and directly influenced federal policies to support those often left behind. She didn't just talk the talk; she organized women's groups, testified before Congress, and successfully advocated for more funding and reforms to make the National School Lunch Program more inclusive. She did this all while working with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Out With the Old
Section 2 of the bill also points out why this name change matters. The previous namesake, Richard B. Russell, opposed civil rights legislation, supported segregation, and dismissed concerns from civil rights activists. Section 3 of the bill goes through and replaces every instance of "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" with "Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act" in existing laws. This is about aligning the program's name with its modern mission of ensuring all kids have access to nutritious meals.
What It Means
This is more than just renaming a program. It's a way of acknowledging the contributions of a civil rights champion. For families relying on the National School Lunch Program, it might feel like a step toward recognizing their struggles and valuing their kids' futures. It's a reminder that policy isn't just about numbers; it's about people. By connecting the program to someone who fought for equity, the bill sends a message about who this program is really for.