Federal Legislation (FY 22-23)

June 30, 2023

To address food insecurity among children during the summer, Baltimore County, Md., is offering free meals at various locations -- including parks, recreation centers and library branches -- in partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools. The program aims to provide nutritious meals to children without any eligibility requirements, ensuring access to food for all children aged 18 and under.

June 28, 2023

The Community Eligibility Provision, which allows schools with high poverty rates to offer free meals to all students, has gained significant participation nationwide, benefiting 19.9 million children across the country and prompting discussions about the need for universal school meals. Crystal FitzSimons, of the Food Research and Action Center, said CEP participation is up in almost every state.

June 26, 2023

The USDA has announced that President Joe Biden's administration will allocate $2.3 billion for food purchases to address rising food insecurity in schools and food banks as pandemic-related aid comes to an end. The funding includes nearly $1.3 billion for school meal programs and close to $1 billion for organizations such as food banks.

June 17, 2023

Legislation mandating free school meals for all Vermont students, regardless of their family's income, has become permanent law. Gov. Phil Scott ultimately allowed the universal school meal bill to become law without his signature, citing its importance in addressing pandemic learning loss and youth mental health challenges.

May 2, 2023

The North Dakota state Senate voted to approve funding for free school meals for students whose families earn 200% or less than the federal poverty level. The measure initially did not pass but was later added to a larger education funding bill that was approved.

 Full Story: KFYR-TV/KQCD-TV/KUMV-TV/KMOT-TV (Bismarck, N.D.) (4/28) 

April 27, 2023

Tell the USDA how proposed long-term nutrition standards would impact your school meal programs and urge them to maintain current school nutrition standards. Submit your comments through SNA's Action Network!

April 27, 2023

As North Carolina districts report an uptick in student meal debt, lawmakers in the state are considering legislation that would provide universal meal access in all schools. The Free Meals For All Act would direct $172 million to school districts to fund the meals.

Full Story: WCNC-TV (Charlotte, N.C.) (4/25) 

April 27, 2023

Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., has introduced the federal School Meals Expansion Act, which would expand eligibility for free school meals under the Community Eligibility Provision. The legislation, supported by the School Nutrition Association, is aimed at helping to curb student hunger.

 Full Story: WAVE-TV (Louisville, Ky.) (4/26) 

April 24, 2023

Nine states have passed legislation to serve universal school meals. An additional 23 states have considered similar legislation over the past three years, and researchers have backed these expansions showing the nutritional value and benefits of school meals.

 Full Story: Colorado Newsline (Denver) (4/23) 

April 21, 2023

About 30 sixth graders from Hartford Memorial Middle School in Vermont advocated in favor of a bill to provide all public school students with free school meals to their state lawmakers. "A lot of kids are not eating lunch because they can't afford it,' said student Chuck Looby. "And that's not a good thing. It's kind of unfair."

 Full Story: VTDigger (Vermont) (4/19)  

April 20, 2023

The School Nutrition Foundation's 2023 Equipment Grant Program application has been extended until the end of this month. Apply now for one (or more) of the five available grants. The deadline for all five grant applications is now April 30. Apply today!

April 20, 2023

WVIT-TV (West Hartford, Conn.) (4/19) 

April 20, 2023

The Colorado State Board of Education has voted 7-2 to approve the rules necessary for initiating universal school meals for districts who opt in to the program. The Healthy School Meals for All program will also provide funding for districts to buy local foods and to increase wages for school nutrition professionals.

Full Story: The Tribune (Greeley, Colo.) (free registration) (4/15) 

April 20, 2023

On Tuesday, advocates -- which included legislators and anti-hunger group representatives -- in New York state urged for the state to adopt universal school meals. It is unclear whether the measure will be included in Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal.

 Full Story: WRGB-TV (Albany, N.Y.) (4/18)

April 20., 2023

Allentown School District in Pennsylvania is expanding its breakfast program to include grab-and-go meals, classroom delivery and a "second chance" breakfast for late arrivals, in addition to the traditional breakfast offering in the cafeteria. District officials hope the customized options will improve academic performance and help improve attendance and discipline.

 Full Story: WDIY-FM (Bethlehem, Pa.) (4/19)  

April 13, 2023

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a proposal that would make a free lunch program for all students in the state permanent. The current program, currently set to expire in 2024, has expanded meal participation to an additional 80,000 students in the state, said Jennifer Lemmerman, vice president of public policy at anti-hunger organization Project Bread.

 Full Story: WBZ-TV (Boston) (4/12),  WBZ-TV (Boston) (4/11) 

April 13, 2023

Kenesaw Public Schools in Nebraska has had a local beef program in place since 2021, but only recently held its first lunchtime cookout with beef provided through the program. Area merchants manned the grill and served up hamburgers, beans and more for students.

 Full Story: Hastings Tribune (Neb.) (4/11) 

April 8, 2023

Students in Wisconsin are feeling the effects of the loss of universal school meals following the expiration of federal waivers, with a reported one in eight children now going hungry statewide. In response, lawmakers are creating proposals to establish a statewide universal school meal program.

Full Story: Green Bay Press-Gazette (Wis.) (tiered subscription model) (4/6)  

April 5, 2023

The USDA is giving the public another month, until May 10, to weigh in on its proposed revisions to school meal nutrition rules that would have schools use mostly whole grain products starting in fall 2024, and sugar and sodium content to gradually be dialed down through 2029. The School Nutrition Association's comments urged the USDA to instead maintain the current nutrition guidelines that will take effect July 1 because "[w]ith no end in sight to supply chain and labor challenges, most school meal programs nationwide simply lack the capacity to meet these proposed nutrition mandates and exceed transitional standards."

 Full Story: K-12 Dive (4/4) 

April 3, 2023

SNA has officially submitted comments in response to USDA's proposed rule to establish long-term school nutrition standards. Research continues to show students already eat their healthiest meals at school, which is why SNA's comments urged USDA to maintain current school nutrition standards and focus on expanding access to and promoting the consumption of school meals. Learn more.

April 3, 2023

Every student in Vermont is eligible for free school meals -- both breakfast and lunch -- under a pilot program that could end in just a few months without state action. School nutrition professionals and other administrators report they are concerned about the potential end of universal meals and what that would mean for students and families.

 Full Story: National Public Radio (3/31) 

March 31, 2023

Legislation has been proposed in the Oregon Legislature to allocate state funds for a permanent universal school meal program, which the state's Department of Education calculated could cost between $145 million and $377 million for the next two school years. "We understand how critical it is for all children to have adequate nutrition, and we want to make that (happen) as soon as possible," said Rep. Courtney Neron, a sponsor of the bill.

 Full Story: Oregon Capital Chronicle (Salem) (3/29)  

March 28, 2023

All students in New Mexico will have access to free school meals under legislation signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. About 70,000 students statewide could be affected by the change, and officials estimate that school meal participation could rise by as much as 10% in some districts.

Full Story: KOAT-TV (Albuquerque, N.M.) (3/27),  The Associated Press (3/27) 

March 27, 2023

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's budget proposal includes a universal school meals for all students across the state. Tim Klenow, food service director for three districts in Michigan, said there is no downside to the proposal because it would help students, their families, school nutrition professionals and more.

 Full Story: WWTV-TV/WWUP-TV (Cadillac, Mich.) (3/24)  

March 27, 2023

Lawmakers in Massachusetts have approved a $1.1 billion spending package that includes $130 million for enhanced nutrition assistance and $65 million to provide school breakfast programs through the remainder of the fiscal year. The legislation now goes to Gov. Maura Healey for a signature.

Full Story: WBUR-FM (Boston) (3/24) 

March 23, 2023

Lawmakers in Maine are considering legislation that would require schools to provide K-12 students at least 30 minutes for school lunch. While supporters say 20 minutes is insufficient time for students to eat their meals and causes food waste, the legislation includes a provision that allows districts to opt out if the change would be too burdensome.

 Full Story: Portland Press Herald (Maine) (tiered subscription model)

March 23, 2023

President Joe Biden's administration is proposing a new plan aimed at expanding access to free school meals. Under the proposal, the community eligibility provision would no longer require separate applications for the federal free- and reduced-priced lunch program, but use other federal assistance programs, including SNAP, to determine eligibility.

Full Story: Education Week (3/22) 

March 20, 2023

Minnesota has adopted universal school meals under legislation signed into law Friday by Gov. Tim Walz. Darcy Stueber, director of Nutrition Services for Mankato Area Public Schools and public policy chair of the Minnesota School Nutrition Association, said the legislation is necessary, noting that her district has reported $80,000 in student meal debt.

 Full Story: Minnesota Public Radio (3/17),  Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.) (tiered subscription model) (3/17)  

March 16, 2023

School meal debt in North Carolina has risen to $3.1 million, and a coalition called School Meals For All NC is calling for universal school meal access in the state. Morgan Wittman Gramman, a member of the group and executive director of the North Carolina Alliance for Health, argued that a statewide universal meal program would help cut down student hunger and reduce the stigma of free meals.

 Full Story: WFAE-FM (Charlotte, N.C.) (3/14)  

March 28, 2023

Lawmakers in Nebraska are considering the Adopt the Free Student Meals Act -- legislation that would provide grants to offer free school meals across the state. The legislation would expand eligibility for free school meals to all students, regardless of family income.

 Full Story: KLKN-TV (Lincoln, Neb.) (3/14)  

March 15, 2023

Minnesota state senators on Tuesday voted in support of legislation that would make school meals free for all students regardless of family income. Supporters say the universal, free meal proposal is aimed at curbing hunger.

 Full Story: Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.) (tiered subscription model) (3/14),  The Associated Press (3/14) 

March 15, 2023

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' proposed budget would spend $120 million to fund universal, free breakfast and lunch to students across the state. Michael Gasper, director of nutrition services for School District of Holmen, Wis., and a School Nutrition Association board member, says universal meals help build a sense of community within schools.

 Full Story: Wisconsin Public Radio (3/14) 

March 14, 2023

The US Department of Agriculture is receiving negative public comment on its proposed revisions to school nutrition regulations, including a provision that would limit service of chocolate milk. Diane Pratt-Heavner, a spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, says data show that students "are eating their healthiest meals at school."

Full Story: STAT (3/14)  

March 13, 2023

A World Health Organization report on Thursday warned that without government intervention to reduce dietary salt consumption, an estimated 7 million people will die worldwide by 2030 due to cardiovascular and other diseases linked to excessive salt intake. WHO's goal is to reduce global sodium consumption 30% over 2013 levels by 2025 through raising public awareness of salt in packaged food and the health dangers of eating too much sodium.

 Full Story: The Washington Post (3/9) 

March 13, 2023

School lunch participation grew by 51% during the 2021-22 school year, and breakfast participation was up 11.2%, according to a report from the Food Research and Action Center. The report says the increase came when schools reopened to in-person learning and cafeterias were serving universal, free meals.

 Full Story: K-12 Dive (3/10) 

March 20, 2023

The USDA last month released proposed long-term nutrition standards for school meal programs. Among other provisions, the proposal phases in new limits on added sugars and additional sodium reductions and seeks feedback on whole grain requirements and flavored milk options. USDA's comparison chart details specific proposed changes. As SNA prepares to draft official comments in response to the proposal, we are collecting member feedback on each section of the proposed rule. Please submit your comments by March 15. Learn more.

March 10, 2023

Some New York state farmers are advocating to begin serving whole milk in schools again for the first time since the Obama administration limited schools to serving skim and low-fat options. Legislation being considered by the US Congress, the "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act," also would ease milk restrictions for schools.

 Full Story: Spectrum News (3/7) 

March 8, 2023

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured Betty Reid Soskin Middle School in California's West Contra Costa Unified School District this week and praised the statewide universal school meal program that was established this school year. "This state understands that when youngsters are fed and fed well, the expectation is they'll do well," said Vilsack.

Full Story: KTVU-TV (Oakland, Calif.) (3/7)  

March 7, 2023

Beginning this month, Portage Public Schools in Michigan will provide free school meals for students previously eligible for reduced-cost meals. District officials say the move is made possible because of a food service budget surplus.

 Full Story: WWMT-TV (Kalamazoo, Mich.) (3/6)  

March 7, 2023

What’s new: U.S. Rep. Mark Alford?(R-MO) introduced “The School Lunch Affordability Act,” legislation to amend Paid Lunch Equity requirements. 

Go deeper: This bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA). It was referred to the House Education and the Workforce Committee; however, no text is available yet. 

March 1, 2023

Universal school meals are in place in Connecticut through the remainder of the school year, and lawmakers are considering a measure that would permanently enact statewide free meal access for all students. Supporters say the measure would support students' health and ability to learn effectively.

 Full Story: WVIT-TV (West Hartford, Conn.) (2/28)

Feb. 23, 2023

All students in Maryland -- regardless of household income -- would be eligible for free school meals under legislation being considered by the state legislature. A recent poll of Marylanders found 75% were in favor of a universal school meal program.

Full Story: WJLA-TV (Washington, D.C.) (2/22) 

Feb. 17, 2023

School nutrition professionals in Maryland's Baltimore City Public Schools are being celebrated with a new art exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Each of the nutrition pros was photographed at their home school, and the project is "a tribute to their work caring for our community," said Beth Maloney, the museum's director of interpretation.

Full Story: WBAL-TV (Baltimore) (2/16)  

Feb. 15, 2023

The Biden administration has started approving requests to use state Medicaid funds to pay for diet counseling, groceries and other efforts to address food insecurity as policymakers explore the benefits of "food as medicine" programs in improving overall health and reducing costs. Supporters say that using Medicaid funds for food programs will enhance Americans' overall health and result in fewer medical visits, better nutritional habits and less pressure on the country's health care system.

 Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (2/12),  National Review (2/13) 

Feb. 15, 2023

Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation Tuesday extending the state’s free school lunch program for all students through the end of the academic year.

The state will shift funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act into the Free Meals for Students program.

Lamont, a Democrat, said the move will ensure all students in Connecticut have equal access to free lunch, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The funding for the school lunch program was set to expire between November and February of this year.

State Rep. Gary Turco, a Democrat who represents Newington and New Britain, said he’s proud of Connecticut for stepping up and providing $60 million for all Connecticut school districts.

Turco said when students are hungry they can’t learn as well.

“When you have a universal program and you make sure every child eats, it actually helps the lower-income students to ensure they were eating too," Turco said.

Turco also said participation for lower-income students went up because it eliminated the stigma some children felt that they were receiving a free meal compared to other children.

Feb. 10, 2023

State lawmakers in Minnesota's House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would expand access to free school meals to all students statewide. The move comes as some districts report a spike in student meal debt following the end of federal waivers that enabled universal school meal service.

 Full Story: Minnesota Public Radio (2/9) 

Feb. 8, 2023

Lawmakers in New Mexico are considering legislation that would expand access to free school meals to all public-school students in the state. The proposal, called "Kids Kitchen," also would encourage schools to purchase locally produced food, invest in school kitchens, and require that students have at least 20 minutes to sit and eat lunch.

Full Story: The Santa Fe New Mexican (tiered subscription model) (2/5)  

Feb. 8, 2023

New proposed federal standards for school meals include two potential options for flavored milk in schools. One option is to only serve flavored milk in high school, and the other would allow all students to have flavored milk but would limit how much sugar is in the milk.

 Full Story: DairyReporter (2/7)  

Feb. 8, 2023

Did you know that SNA members have access to numerous online resources? Check out a few of our featured resources to help grow your school meals program: 
 

And don't forget SNA's Resource Library -- for more helpful information.

Feb. 7, 2023

Last year, a number of states introduced or enacted legislation related to school meals. For a full picture of all 2022 state legislation changes, see the new SNA report, "2022 State Legislative Summary: Year-End Review." SNA state advocacy resources are a collaborative effort intended to support grassroots efforts at the local level. Share your updates with SNA by emailing [email protected].

Feb. 8, 2023

A bill in the North Dakota Legislature would provide $89.5 million from the state's general fund to cover school lunches for the 2023 and 2024 school years. The funding would replace a federal, COVID-19-related program that expired at the beginning of this school year. A second bill would prohibit schools from denying students a meal or serving an alternative meal based on their meal status, or to limit participation in activities due to a child's school meal balance.

 Full Story: KFYR-TV/KQCD-TV/KUMV-TV/KMOT-TV (Bismarck, N.D.) (2/6) 

Feb. 6, 2023

Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern said he is working with the USDA to ensure free school meals for all students through additional federal funding. "Nutrition and food is essential to your ability to learn," he said, adding that "universal free meals for every child ought to be something we're all dedicated to getting done."

 Full Story: WCVB-TV (Boston) (2/3)  

Feb. 6, 2023

New USDA school lunch nutrition standards limiting added sugar and sodium and focusing on whole grains will be implemented over the next several years, and the School Nutrition Association is arguing that these new rules will put undue challenges on school nutrition professionals who already are struggling to meet current standards. "As schools nationwide contend with persistent supply chain, labor and financial challenges, school meal programs are struggling to successfully maintain current standards and need support, not additional, unrealistic requirements," said SNA President Lori Adkins.

 Full Story: National Public Radio (2/3),  The Washington Post (2/3),  NBC News (2/3),  The Associated Press (2/3) 

1/31/2023

Lawmakers in Hawaii are considering several proposals that would expand access to free school meals in the state. They include measures for universal school lunches as well as both universal breakfasts and lunches.

Full Story: Honolulu Civil Beat (1/30)  

1/30/2023

Lawmakers in Connecticut have not decided on a proposal to issue an emergency certification to fund universal school meals in the state after available funding ran out. Lawmakers say they are considering options and having additional conversations about funding priorities.

 Full Story: The Hartford Courant (Conn.) (1/29) 

1/25/23

All students in Washington state would be eligible for free school meals under legislation being considered by state lawmakers. Sen. T'wina Nobles, sponsor of the legislation, said the move would help eliminate the stigma that can be associated with receiving free meals at school.

 Full Story: KUOW-FM (Seattle) (1/24) 

1/24/23

Lawmakers in Tennessee are considering a bill that would give access to free school meals to all students in the state. Under the proposed legislation, school boards would be required to create free lunch and breakfast programs, which would be financed via federal and state funding.

 Full Story: WZTV-TV (Nashville, Tenn.) (1/23) 

1/20/23

Washington, D.C., legislators are considering joining Colorado, California and Maine in offering free school meals to every student in the district regardless of family income. Supporters of a universal meal program say that despite some students being eligible for free meals, many more are going hungry -- a situation that has only worsened during the pandemic.

 Full Story: The Washington Post (1/19) 

1/19/23

Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia is planning to phase back salad bars into school cafeterias over the next several months after they were removed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision to reinstate the salad bars followed feedback from students, parents and local organizations.

 Full Story: WJLA-TV (Washington)

1/13/2023

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and state lawmakers are working to advance legislation that would ensure all students in the state regardless of income have access to universal meals. "I have yet to see any of my colleagues say, 'This is a bad idea,'" said Sen. Saud Anwar. "Everyone stepped forward and said, 'This is our responsibility.'"

 Full Story: Connecticut Public Radio (1/12)  

1/12/23

All students in Minnesota would be eligible for free access to school breakfasts and lunches under legislation that advanced out of a state House committee Wednesday. Data from the nonprofit Hunger Solutions Minnesota shows that 25% of students who are food insecure are not eligible for free school meals.

 Full Story: WCCO-TV (Minneapolis) (1/11)  

1/10/23

A lawmaker in Montana is creating legislation that would support universal meal access in schools across the state. Meantime, a local food bank is organizing to help provide free meal access at some schools.

 Full Story: Missoulian (Missoula, Mont.) (1/9) 

Dec. 20, 2022

regardless of income levels in the state. Sen. Saud Anwar said the benefits of providing free meal access for students outweigh the costs of the meals.

 Full Story: The Hartford Courant (Conn.) (12/19) 

1/9/23

Students, lawmakers and advocates are urging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to include funds for free school meals for all students in the state's 2024 budget. When federal meal waivers expired, officials say that over 726,000 students lost access to free school meals statewide.

 Full Story: WTEN-TV/WXXA-TV (Albany, N.Y.) (1/6) 

Dec. 18, 2022

The Arizona Department of Education has allocated $6.75 million in pandemic relief funds to provide free meals to students who qualify for reduced-cost school meals. "We all know it's harder for our students to succeed when they are hungry," said Melissa Sadorf, superintendent of the Stanfield Elementary School District, adding that providing nutritious meals can help address "mental health issues, impaired cognitive development and other chronic health conditions like diabetes."

 Full Story: The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (tiered subscription model) (12/15) 

Dec. 14, 2022

In South Carolina, State Sen. Katrina Shealy pre-filed legislation that would require eligible schools to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students. In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she will pursue state legislation to provide free school meals for all students.

Dec. 14, 2022

A proposal to adopt universal school meals in Minnesota is being reconsidered thanks to the state's large budget surplus. "There are kids in rural areas who go hungry," said Colleen Moriarty, executive director of local nonprofit Hunger Solutions Minnesota. "There are kids in suburban areas that go hungry. It's not just one part of the state."

Full Story: Public News Service (12/12)  

Dec. 11, 2022

In just the first few months of the school year, student meal debt across districts in North Carolina has exceeded $1 million. "So many families really came to rely during the pandemic on free meals for their kids to keep the family well-fed and students ready to learn," said Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for the School Nutrition Association. "So, it's a real shame to lose this benefit, particularly at a time when so many families are struggling with higher costs."

 Full Story: WCNC-TV (Charlotte, 

Dec. 10, 2022

Missouri Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, plans to propose legislation that would allow every public-school student in the state to receive free breakfasts and lunches. Another bill introduced by Sen. Angela Mosley, D-Florissant, would create a state Universal School Meals Fund to pay for school meal costs not reimbursed by the federal government.

 Full Story: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (12/7) 

Dec. 10, 2022

Faced with a lack of data on student poverty due to universal school meals, the Oregon State Board of Education has adopted a new definition of "economically disadvantaged" students. Beginning in the next school year, students considered disadvantaged will be those whose families receive federal assistance, including food stamps, are in the foster system, are migrants or are experiencing homelessness.

 Full Story: The Oregonian (Portland) (12/8) 

Dec. 7, 2022

The USDA Foods Database is now available for states and school districts to access up-to-date, vendor-specific nutrition, allergen and ingredient information for direct delivered USDA Foods for Child Nutrition Programs. The USDA Foods Database will apprise the ordering decisions of FNS stakeholders, assist them with menu planning management, meet USDA meal pattern requirements and nutrition standards and provide safe meals for students with food allergies and other special dietary needs. Use the Database

Dec. 7, 2022

Sixth-graders at Roosevelt Middle School in New Mexico are growing herbs and several varieties of lettuce in a vertical farm prototype that offers maximum plant growth with minimal space, energy and water requirements. Students are actively involved in the design, troubleshooting and upkeep of the system, and have enjoyed around 200 salads from their efforts.

 Full Story: KRQE-TV (Albuquerque, N.M.) (12/5) 

Nov. 29, 2022

Officials in Buncombe County Schools in North Carolina are reaching out to the community and drawing on other school funds to help cover the mounting costs of unpaid school lunches, which is attributed to the end of pandemic-era federal waivers that enabled universal school meals. Lisa Payne, nutrition director for the district, said the district will continue to feed students, despite the roughly $112,000 in debt.

 Full Story: WLOS-TV (Asheville, N.C.) (11/28) 

Nov. 11, 2022

The USDA has allocated $50 million in funding to strengthen the food supply chain for schools and reduce food waste. Grants can go to food producers, suppliers and distributors and, according to USDA, will "support schools' ability to access a wider variety of healthy, appealing products and promote innovation by food producers and suppliers, including local producers and small and disadvantaged businesses."

Nov. 10, 2022

With Colorado soon to join Maine and California in enacting statewide universal school meal programs, other states could consider similar legislation to maintain the free meals that were allowed under now-expired federal waivers. "We have seen a number of states recognizing the value of offering free meals to all," said Diane Pratt-Heavner, the School Nutrition Association's director of media relations. "With inflation and prices rising at the grocery store and at the gas pump, families have really come to depend on that benefit."

Full Story: Education Week (11/9) 

Nov. 10, 2022

Lynn Harvey, director of school nutrition for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, addressed the State Board of Education about expanding free school meals through the federal Community Eligibility Provision as student meal debt continues to rise. Several school nutrition professionals from districts in North Carolina that participate in CEP joined Harvey in touting the health and academic benefits of the free meals.

 Full Story: EducationNC (North Carolina) (11/8) 

Nov. 10, 2022

Voters in Colorado have approved Proposition FF, which will establish the Healthy School Meals for All Program and be paid for using a limit on tax deductions for households making $300,000 or more annually. The funds could be used for school districts that choose to offer free school meals to all students regardless of family income level.

 Full Story: The Denver Post (tiered subscription model) (11/8),  Chalkbeat/Colorado (11/8) 

Nov. 2, 2022

The results are in: Basic American Foods (BAF) has announced the winners of the 2023 Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence (FAME) Awards! For more than 30 years, the FAME Awards have recognized outstanding heroes in K-12 foodservice who raise industry standards by making a difference within their school districts and communities. The 34th annual FAME Awards ceremony will be held live and in person on January 15, 2023, during SNA’s School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC) in San Diego, Calif. Learn More

Nov. 1, 2022

A proposed bill in New Jersey is pushing for longer school days or years to address learning loss experienced by students in the state. If the law is passed, a pilot program would be used to test the longer schedule in select districts to determine if increased instruction time improves students' test scores.

Full Story: Patch/New Jersey (10/27)  

Oct. 26, 2022

Nine states, including Colorado, are considering measures that would provide free school meals to all students regardless of family income. Maine and California already have enacted permanent statewide universal school meal programs, while Massachusetts, Nevada and Vermont have extended temporary free school lunches through this school year.

Full Story: National Public Radio (10/26) 

Oct. 21, 2022

A just-released Advocacy Toolkit is now available on the SNA website! Check out your one-stop guide containing all the information you need to be an effective advocate for school nutrition programs. In this PDF resource, you will find background information on the inner workings of Congress, links to engaging quick tutorial videos and step-by-step guidance on planning and implementing effective advocacy strategies. Get the Toolkit.

Oct. 19, 2022

Eight states are part of a federal pilot program that automatically enrolls children who receive Medical Assistance in the free school meal program. Minnesota, one of the states participating in the pilot, expects about 90,000 students will receive free meals this year through the program.

 Full Story: West Central Tribune (Willmar, Minn.) (tiered subscription model) (10/18)  

Oct. 18, 2022

Colorado residents will vote next month on whether they want the state to provide all students with free school meals regardless of families' income level. Proposition FF would fund the approximately $100 million cost of a universal school meal program by limiting the amount that people earning more than $300,000 a year can deduct from their state taxes.

Full Story: The Denver Post (tiered subscription model) (10/14),  Colorado Public Radio(10/18) 

Oct. 12, 2022

USDA has published the revised Whole Grain Resource for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This resource includes the final rule establishing transitional standards for the Child Nutrition Program requirements related to milk, whole grains and sodium. Download Now

Oct. 12, 2022

The Biden-Harris Administration announced yesterday its plans to provide an additional $50 million in school nutrition equipment grant funding, on top of the $30 million in equipment grants offered earlier this year. According to a?USDA press release, school meal programs can utilize the funds to purchase upgraded equipment to support efforts to serve healthier meals, implement scratch cooking, establish or expand school breakfast, store fresh food and improve food safety.

Oct. 11, 2022

SNA members are invited to a live, virtual celebration of school nutrition professionals and National School Lunch Week (NSLW) with Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean, Administrator Cindy Long and SNA President Lori Adkins, MS, CHE, SNS, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET Thursday, Oct. 13. Despite the many challenges across the past two years, school nutrition professionals have gone above and beyond to ensure that students have access to delicious and nutritious meals. Please join USDA and SNA as we show our gratitude. Learn more.

Oct. 5, 2022

At last week’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, the Biden-Harris Administration released its National Strategy committing to advance “free healthy school meals for all” and pledging to take a major first step by working to expand the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and make free school meals available to 9 million more children. SNA President Lori Adkins and SNA CEO Patricia Montague participated in the conference and discussed the positive impact of free school meals for all. Read More

Sept. 28, 2022

USDA announced an additional allocation of $471.5 million in Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) Funds to address the underlying conditions that continue to cause supply chain disruptions and other economic uncertainties. These funds will strengthen local school districts’ ability to purchase food for school meals by offering resources needed to address supply chain challenges directly to schools and school districts. Learn More

Sept. 28, 2022

USDA’s FNS launched the first phase of its $100 million Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative aimed at improving the nutritional quality of school meals through food systems transformation, school food authority recognition, technical assistance and grants. Starting school year 2023-24, FNS will provide recognition awards and share best practices of SFAs that have made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their meals. Learn More

Sept. 23, 2022

Nutrition educators and experts will join anti-hunger advocates, health care professionals, lawmakers, government officials and members of the public Wednesday at a White House summit on hunger. Panel discussions will cover food as medicine, and childhood nutrition and equity, among other topics, and working groups will "collaborate and identify actions they will take individually and collectively to help achieve the goal of ending and reducing diet-related diseases," according to the White House.

Full Story: National Public Radio (9/23) 

Sept. 22, 2022

Greeley-Evans School District 6 is the only school district in Colorado that still provides universal lunch for students, made possible by the school board funding the roughly $2 million program. Other educators in the state are looking for ways to cover lunches and Colorado voters will have a chance to vote on the Healthy Meals For All Public School Students program in November.

 Full Story: Rocky Mountain PBS (Denver) (9/19) 

Sept. 22, 2022

The Ohio State School Board of Education is weighing a vote on two resolutions impacting universal meal programs for students. One resolution calls for the expansion of free meal programs to all Ohio students while the other opposes proposed USDA anti-discrimination policies that ensure school districts receiving federal funds do not discriminate against students based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Full Story: WOSU-FM (Columbus, Ohio) (9/20) 

Sept. 19, 2022

Pennsylvania state Rep. Emily Kinkead is introducing a bill that will extend free school lunches beyond those that meet family income requirements. "Given the ongoing economic challenges facing Pennsylvania families, now is the time to provide free school meals to all students who are not already covered through the federal free and reduced-price-meal and Community Eligibility Provision programs," said Kinkead.

Full Story: Times Observer (Warren, Pa.) (9/19)  

Sept. 19, 2022

Over 50 House of Representative members have signed on to support the extension of federal pandemic-era school meal waivers for the 2022-23 school year. New York's Rep. Joseph Morelle has co-sponsored The Universal School Meals Program Act and Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act, which proposes to permanently provide free meals to all children regardless of their family's income level, expand summer food service, increase the reimbursement rate for lunch and offer grants to purchase kitchen equipment.

 Full Story: NNY360 (Watertown, N.Y.) (tiered subscription model) (9/17) 

Sept. 15, 2022

To help mitigate the impact of supply chain issues and high food costs, the USDA announced this week it is providing almost $2 billion to help school meal programs and food banks ensure children and families have access to foods grown domestically. About $500 million will be allocated to schools nationwide for their lunch and breakfast programs, about $1 billion is targeted toward food for emergency food providers, and approximately $500 million will go to expand the Local Food Purchase Assistance cooperative agreement program.

Full Story: The Packer (Lenexa, Kan.) (9/14),  The Hill (9/14)  

Sept. 14, 2022

USDA monitors the severity of food insecurity in U.S. households through an annual, nationally representative survey. The most recent report found that in 2021, 89.8% of U.S. households were food secure. The remaining 10.2% (13.5 million households) were food insecure. Read the Report

Sept. 19, 2022

USDA no longer has the ability under law to allow school meals to be served free of charge to all families. Secretary Tom Vilsack encouraged governors to prioritize support for the following efforts:

 

Secretary Vilsack is committed to providing operational flexibilities and some additional funding to ease the transition back to standard operations. More Information

Sept. 14, 2022

Join SNA at 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, for the webinar, "Best Practices for Developing Easy-to-Execute Nutritious and Delicious Menus." Supported by Kellogg's, the webinar will feature school nutrition chefs and professionals as they review how they develop school menus and recipes, as well as tips and tricks the chefs have used to still provide great meals to students while dealing with labor and supply shortages. Register Now

Sept. 12, 2022

Beginning Oct. 1, all students across Pennsylvania will have access to free school breakfasts for the remainder of the school year, Gov. Tom Wolf announced. The meals will be available at public, private and charter schools that are part of the National School Lunch Program.

 Full Story: The Philadelphia Inquirer (tiered subscription model)(9/9) 

Sept. 7, 2022

Congress will reconvene this month to take up legislation in a last push as we reach the final months of the 2022 Congressional year. Here's how you can help:

August 26, 2022

Minnesota was approved by the USDA to automatically enroll more than 200,000 students, 90,000 of whom are not currently enrolled, who are covered by Medicaid for free school meals under a pilot program for the 2022-23 school year. Cheryl Pick, the president of the Minnesota School Nutrition Association and Foley Public Schools' child nutrition services director, called the program a "game changer" for school districts.

 Full Story: K-12 Dive (8/24) 

August 25, 2022

Minnesota has officially signed on to the USDA's new Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program and will receive nearly $3.5 million to foster purchases of local food for school nutrition programs. The money will be distributed to schools through a farm-to-school grant program that encourages sourcing food through small local farms and businesses.

 Full Story: WJON-AM (St. Cloud, Minn.) (8/23) 

Sept. 2, 2022

The US should return to offering universally free school meals, according to guidance released in a report by the Task Force on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. "Congress should provide free nutritious meals (lunch, breakfast, summer, afterschool meals) for all children in the United States, removing the income test and ensuring all children receive free meals without stigma or burdensome paperwork," the report states.

 Full Story: K-12 Dive (9/2) 

Sept. 1, 2022

Indoor farming systems allow for fruit and vegetable growers to ensure robust crop production in controlled environments. Join SmartBrief and a panel of industry experts to explore how vertical farming tools can help the industry build efficient and sustainable food systems.

August 24, 2022

Debbie Stabenow, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, sent a letter to SNA Immediate Past President Beth Wallace and all SNA advocates recognizing the untiring dedication to speaking up for school meals. “Your advocacy for the Support Kids Not Red Tape Act and the Keep Kids Fed Act was critical in gaining the overwhelming bipartisan support we needed to get a bill signed into law by the President on June 25, 2022,” Stabenow wrote. “It certainly was not easy! But working together on behalf of kids across the country, we were able to get something meaningful done.” Read More

August 24, 2022

This year presents a unique opportunity to maximize our advocacy as Congress picks up discussions on Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) and legislators campaign for November’s mid-term election. We encourage you to bolster our ongoing advocacy efforts by writing and calling your legislators through SNA’s Action Network. 

August 18, 2022

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the agency made mistakes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will overhaul its operations to address shortcomings such as slow responses and confusing communication. "My goal is a new, public health, action-oriented culture at CDC that emphasizes accountability, collaboration, communication and timeliness," Walensky said.

 Full Story: The Hill (8/17),  The New York Times (8/17)  

August 15, 2022

California's Universal Meals Program is the first in the country to provide free breakfast and lunch each school day to any public-school student statewide regardless of whether they meet the federal qualifications for free or reduced-price meals. A similar program was approved for schools in Maine and will begin this school year.

 Full Story: USA Today/The Associated Press (8/12),  Good Morning America (8/12) 

August 10, 2022

Grant Park Christian Academy in Tampa, Florida, will continue to receive federal lunch funding despite rejecting the Biden administration’s expansion of Title IX to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” The news comes after the school filed suit against the federal government and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. Much was at stake in the case, which could have ended “free meals for 56 low-income students attending the school,” the Daily Wire reported.  READ

August 5, 2022

In Wisconsin, about 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity, and as federal school meal waivers are set to expire, some advocates are encouraging a continuation of free meal programs because food, like textbooks, should be available to all K-12 students for free. "[Wisconsin children] are more likely to live in food insecure households than kids nationwide," said Judi Bartfeld, coordinator of the Wisconsin Food Security Project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, adding, "School meals are obviously just one piece of the puzzle -- but they are clearly an area in which more can be done."

Full Story: Wisconsin Watch (Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism) (8/4)  

August 5, 2022

The USDA provided a response to SNA's comment letter providing recommendations for the Food Program Reporting System (FPRS). SNA's comments included suggestions for reducing burden hours, consolidation and efficiency. Interested in receiving a weekly update on the latest federal and state policy news on school nutrition? Subscribe to SNA's Tuesday Morning e-newsletter.

July 10, 2022

The USDA’s Team Nutrition has announced new resources and trainings, including:

July 10, 2022

Twenty-eight civil rights and health care organizations are asking the USDA to offer soy milk as an official substitute for dairy milk in the National School Lunch Program, saying a significant number of Black, Latino, Asian and Indigenous people are lactose intolerant. Right now, a written request from a parent, guardian or doctor must be provided to make the substitution, which the groups say is unreasonable because the problem is ubiquitous and could be easily remedied.

 Full Story: The Hill (8/9) 

July 9, 2022

The California Universal Meals program will be implemented this school year and provide universal access to free meals for all students in the state, regardless of family income. Officials also say students' previous meal debt has been forgiven.

Full Story: KXTV-TV (Sacramento, Calif.) (8/8) 

July 8, 2022

Generate an atmosphere of excitement in the cafeteria and cultivate a little fun with the 2022-23 Promotion Calendar, brought to you by School Nutrition (SN) magazine and supported by Conagra Foodservice. The Calendar is an exclusive SNA member benefit and is free to download. Learn more.

July 8, 2022

Did you know that you can submit your food allergy questions to SNA for the answers you need? Visit "Ask the Allergy Expert," a feature supported by experts in food allergy reactions, treatment and research. Learn more at SNA's Food Allergy Resource Center, which is generously supported by the National Peanut Board.

July 8, 2022

The federal free school meals program, which automatically qualified every student to get access to free food for the last two years, has ended following the expiration of federal waivers enacted at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. School nutrition programs are preparing for the return of pre-pandemic free and reduced-price meal rules during the 2022-23 school year as inflation, supply chain disruptions and staffing challenges continue to affect districts nationwide.

 Full Story: WBUR-FM (Boston) (7/7)  

July 1, 2022

To help address high food costs and supply chain issues facing school nutrition programs, the USDA is giving schools $943 million -- in addition to assistance recently approved through the Keep Kids Fed Act -- to purchase domestically grown foods. Each state will distribute the money, which will come through the USDA's Commodity Credit Corp.

 Full Story: The Packer (Lenexa, Kan.) (6/30)