USDA extends comment period on proposed school meal reforms due to COVID-19

The USDA has extended the comment period on its proposed school and summer meal reforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The deadline to comment has been extended by 30 days and will now end on April 22. Officials say the deadline will allow stakeholders such as schools and state agencies who are busy dealing with complications from COVID-19 to have enough time to submit feedback. 

The proposed rules, which were announced this January, make a number of changes to the school meal and summer food programs such as allowing operators to serve only half a cup of fruit, rather than a whole cup, as part of breakfasts outside the cafeteria. Some K-12 operators say the changes will allow them to serve better-quality meals to students.