Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
“Feeding America is relieved that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended critical school nutrition waivers until the end of the calendar year. As the largest hunger relief organization in the nation, we know that these flexibilities are critical to ensure that children facing hunger have access to nutritious food in a safe and effective manner. School meals are the only reliable source of nutrition each day for millions of children in this country, and this announcement will ensure that their families are not turned away or forced to go to another location to access meals.
“While today’s announcement is helpful, it does fall short by ending waivers with the calendar year rather than extending them through the school year. It is critical that USDA extends the school nutrition waivers until the end of the academic school year to give meal providers the flexibilities needed to adjust as the school year progresses. This is also critical to provide certainty to children and families. With the window closing for that extension at the end of September, we ask them to make this change. Without it, schools and communities will be forced to change their meal operations in the middle of winter, creating confusion for kids and families. The ability for children facing hunger to get the meals they need will hang in the balance until then."
Contact
Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303
About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.