Kids eat for free
Apr 26, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC -- Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an extension of the universal free lunch program through the 2021-2022 school year that provides a range of flexibilities for meal program services at schools and childcare institutions nationwide as they continue to feed children nutritious meals free of charge.
Schools across the country will be able to serve meals through the USDA National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO), which is usually limited to the summer months. The SSO maintains the nutrition standards of the traditional school meal programs, which feature a strong emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while allowing schools to provide free meals to all children. The extension of the program should reach a higher percentage of the estimated 12 million youths currently experiencing food insecurity.
The waiver program was implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to streamline the process that allows children to eat free even outside normal mealtimes. The waivers reimburse schools for meals at the summer rate, which is higher than the rate during the regular school year. During the 2020-2021 school year, the waivers increased the reimbursement rate to schools from $3.60 per lunch served at the free rate to the summer rate of $4.25 per meal.
The reimbursement increase will provide much needed relief to school districts managing the increased operating costs associated with both pandemic and supply chain challenges. Additionally, the financial flexibility of SSO allows schools and community organizations to better adapt programming to meet the needs of those they serve.
“The decision to extend the waiver program is great news as it helps ease the burden on both school foodservice officials and parents, and offsets unforeseen operating costs from the pandemic,” said Byron Holmes, chair of the USA Rice Nutrition Subcommittee. “This move lets schools serve nutritious meals that adhere to established standards, including the use of rice, while ensuring every child has access to free and nutritious food options.”