Statement Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
“As the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation, Feeding America knows that flexibilities are critical to ensure that children facing hunger have access to nutritious food in a safe and effective manner during this pandemic. With continued school disruptions, our network of member food banks were eager to see the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) take action to extend critical child nutrition waivers until the end of the academic year. School meals are the only reliable source of nutrition each day for millions of children in this country, and this announcement will ensure that families are not turned away or forced to go to another location to access meals.
“The extension of child nutrition waivers until June 2021 gives meal providers the flexibilities needed to adjust while following critical safety requirements. We are relieved that schools and communities will be able to continue their meal operations during this pandemic and – most importantly – that children facing hunger will continue to receive the critical meals they need to help them learn and thrive.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on X.com.