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Legislating school meals in a time of crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced much quick thinking and flexibility on the part of K-12 foodservice operators. See below for more on how the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other areas of government have responded during this challenging time, and check back for updates as the FSD team continues its coverage of school meal legislation.
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House of Representatives passes continuing resolution that includes funding to extend summer meal program waivers
By Benita Gingerella on 09/23/2020
The legislation will add almost $8 billion in funding for school nutrition programs.
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USDA issues nationwide waiver for CACFP at-risk program
By Benita Gingerella on 09/22/2020
Schools and after-school care centers with state agency approval will now be able to serve at-risk meals and snacks regardless of location.
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-Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, on 8/31
"At this time, we are confident we can afford to provide waiver flexibility until Dec. 31."
USDA extends summer meal waivers through December
By Benita Gingerella on 08/31/2020
The extension of the Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option will allow schools to serve meals to all students at no charge.
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Bill introduced to provide all K-12 students with free meals this school year
By Benita Gingerella on 07/30/2020
The Pandemic Child Hunger Prevention Act would temporarily grant universal free meals to all students.
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USDA extends child nutrition waivers through upcoming school year
By Benita Gingerella on 06/25/2020
Waivers on meal pattern flexibility, congregate meals, meal times, and parent and guardian meal pickup have all been extended.
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-SNA President Reggie Ross
"Providing school meals at no charge to all students is the safest, most effective way to serve students and combat childhood hunger during the pandemic."
USDA extends child nutrition area eligibility waiver
By Benita Gingerella on 06/11/2020
The waiver, which allows schools across the country to continue serving free meals, has been extended through the summer.
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School Nutrition Association calls for COVID-19 waivers extension and universal free meals
By Benita Gingerella on 06/05/2020
In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, the SNA said these factors will be essential to keep school foodservice operations functioning in the fall.
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USDA extends school nutrition waivers through summer
By Benita Gingerella on 05/15/2020
The noncongregate feeding waiver, meal times waiver and parent pickup waiver have all been extended to the end of August.
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