USDA increases school meal reimbursement rate

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has increased the reimbursement rate for school meals, giving schools an additional 25 cents per lunch.

This change will put around $750 million more into school nutrition programs and, along with higher reimbursement rates that have been in place through pandemic-related waivers, give schools "22% more for school lunches than they would [receive] under normal conditions," the USDA said in a news release.

Last month, the USDA announced it will also provide up to $1.5 billion to states and school districts to help K-12 nutrition teams deal with supply chain issues.

School meal programs across the country continue to struggle with higher operating costs, supply chain shortages and lack of adequate staffing.