USDA Extending Free Meal Program After Pressure from Lawmakers and Activists

After facing criticism from lawmakers and families, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will extend its flexible free school meals program to keep millions of kids fed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option will be kept open through the end of 2020 or “until available funding runs out.”

The extension of free meal programs will allow meals to be served outside of the typically-required group settings and mealtimes, waive meal pattern requirements as necessary, and allow parents and guardians to pick-up meals without their children present, which is particularly critical for families with immunocompromised kids.

The USDA had planned to end these flexibilities by the end of September, but parents, educators, and activists spoke out about the necessity of free meal programs amid the pandemic.

Rates of food insecurity have greatly increased, especially for households with children, as the pandemic forced schools to shut down. Around 30 million children who rely on subsidized breakfasts and lunches have lost a critical source of food aid.

A coalition of organizations, educators, and activists are also pushing for federal food aid to be included in the next coronavirus relief package. The HEROES Act, which was passed by the House in May, would extend unemployment benefits and expand the federal feeding programs to better distribute food during emergencies. The GOP’s $1 trillion aid package does not include the renewal of the food program. Neither bill has been passed as Congress continues to stall on relief packages.

Read about how coronavirus-related school closings affect food security for public school children.

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