Federal Legislation (FY 21-22)

June 27, 2022

President Joe Biden has signed the $3 billion Keep Kids Fed Act that extends the free school meal program through summer, plus allows school nutrition programs to be reimbursed at a higher rate and have flexible guidelines to help address ongoing supply chain and staffing issues. However, in the fall, eligible families must apply to receive free or reduced-price meals. While the School Nutrition Association will continue to advocate for universal school meals, the passage of this bill is still appreciated, because "[t]hese funds are really a lifeline for school meal programs all over the country," said Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for SNA.

 Full Story: The Washington Post (tiered subscription model)(6/24),  CNN (6/24) 

June 25, 2022

As schools grapple with higher food prices, the USDA is scheduled to reduce school lunch reimbursements on July 1 from the higher pandemic rate of $4.56 to $3.75 if legislation is not passed to maintain federal meal waivers. "Our programs are in peril, we need help," said Adam Russo, director of food and nutrition services for Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia. "With the waivers ending for next school year, we'll potentially be at a $5 to $10 million deficit."

 Full Story: Spectrum News/NY1 (6/21)  

June 25, 2022

A bipartisan group of four US senators has introduced legislation, the Keep Kids Fed Act, that would extend some federal school meal waivers set to expire June 30, allowing for flexibilities such as grab-and-go and delivery distribution models through the summer, supply chain flexibility and some additional reimbursements through the upcoming school year. "With crucial federal waivers on the verge of expiring, this agreement offers school meal programs a lifeline to help build back toward normal operations," said Beth Wallace, president of the School Nutrition Association.

 Full Story: U.S. News & World Report(6/21),  Roll Call (6/22) 

June 23, 2022

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) praised a new agreement to provide critical support to school meal programs prior to the  expiration of federal pandemic waivers. Set to expire June 30, the waivers have ensured students can access healthy school meals despite persistent supply chain, food cost and labor burdens. SNA urges Congress to swiftly pass The Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022.

 

The end of school meal waivers continues to be a hot topic in the news. SNA has put together a round-up of a few articles regarding this topic. These are a great resource to share on your own social media channels to inform your community about the challenges school meal operations will face during SY2022-23.Read More

 

FY2023 House Agriculture Appropriations Bill 

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies passed, on a voice vote, a draft of its spending bill for fiscal year 2023. 

June 17, 2022

As the possible end of pandemic-related waivers looms, the Biden administration is considering options of using about $1 billion from USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for school meal program commodity purchases.  

June 17, 2022

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced USDA’s new framework intended to transform the food system to benefit consumers and producers, including initiatives to bolster school meal programs. Learn More

June 14, 2022

USDA is proposing an emergency information collection needed for the Agricultural Marketing Service to administer a new noncompetitive cooperative agreement program for the purchase of local foods for distribution to schools. Learn More

June 14, 2022

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced USDA’s new framework intended to transform the food system to benefit consumers and producers, including initiatives to bolster school meal programs.

June 3, 2022

The USDA's universal, free meal waivers for schoolchildren from all family incomes will expire on June 30 without governmental action. "We don't know what the reimbursement rate is going to be for next year, whether there's going to be free meals or not free meals, we don't know, which has made it very difficult for us to do our budgets," said Michael Gasper, director of nutrition services for Wisconsin's School District of Holmen and a member of the School Nutrition Association's Public Policy and Legislation Committee.

Full Story: Spectrum News (6/2),  Education Week (6/2) 

June 2, 2022

Legislation being considered in New Jersey would provide breakfast and lunch free of charge to more students from low-income and middle-class families. The Working Class Families' Anti-Hunger Act proposes mandating schools with at least 5% of income-eligible students to serve free lunches and schools with at least 10% would additionally provide free breakfasts.

 Full Story: PhillyVoice (Philadelphia) (6/1)  

June 1, 2022

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has signed a bill to allocate funding for universal school meals during the 2022-23 school year, giving legislators time to find the money to continue the program beyond 2023. A surplus in the state's education fund created the statewide program as well as a farm-to-school initiative that enables schools to purchase locally grown products for meals.

Full Story: Bennington Banner (Vt.) (6/1),  Rutland Herald (Vt.) (tiered subscription model) (6/1) 

June 1, 2022

USDA’s Team Nutrition has published a new Guide to Smart Snacks in School, with easy-to-understand tips on how to meet Smart Snacks standards and why they are important. Share this resource with school principals who oversee vending contracts, snack bar managers, fundraising chairs, and local school wellness policy coordinators. Team Nutrition also released new tip sheets on Crediting Fruits and Crediting Vegetables in Child Nutrition Programs! These simple easy-to-use references highlight the basics of crediting for these two meal components. Learn More

June 1, 2022

The North Carolina General Assembly is considering legislation to fund a statewide program providing free meals to all students. Federal waivers enacted during the coronavirus pandemic to provide free meals are set to expire in June, but supporters say legislative action to create universal school meals in North Carolina would help families struggling to feed their children due to rising prices.

 Full Story: WECT-TV (Wilmington, N.C.) (5/30) 

June 1, 2022

USDA Food and Nutrition Services released a forecast of studies, evaluations and projects it expects to pursue in Fiscal Year 2022. Find out what School Nutrition Program are included. Learn More

June 1, 2022

As schools across the US prepare for federal school meal waivers to expire, some states, including California and Maine, have adopted universal school meal programs of their own or are planning to do so. Without the waivers or state programs, school nutrition professionals will face additional burdens as they work to provide access to meals for students, said Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for the School Nutrition Association.

Full Story: Education Week (5/31) 

June 1, 2022

California’s Universal Meals Program is designed to build on the foundations of the federal National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. To learn more about California’s Universal Meal Program, visit the State’s Department of Education Website. 

June 1, 2022

The White House held its second stakeholder briefing to share updates ahead of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition & Health scheduled for September. Learn More

May 28, 2022

All students of public and charter schools in North Carolina would be eligible to receive free school lunches under a bill introduced in the state legislature this week. The Child Care Act would require the state to provide funding for students who opt to receive free school meals.

 Full Story: WECT-TV (Wilmington, N.C.) (5/26) 

May 17, 2022

Schools in Virginia will receive nearly $1 million to support school nutrition services and its workforce through a grant from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. Virginia is one of eight states nationwide to receive the training grants totaling $7.1 million.

Full Story: WDBJ-TV (Roanoke, Va.) (5/17)  

5/11/22

SNA is hosting a webinar with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), on the "Final Rule: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains and Sodium." This final rule is providing schools and their industry partners with the certainty they need for the upcoming school years, while FNS works collaboratively on permanent standards that will build on the progress that has been made over the past decade. Join us on Wednesday, May 18, at 3 p.m. ET. Register Now

 

5/2/22

The House of Representatives in Vermont passed legislation that would ensure K-12 students in the state have access to universal, free school meals in the 2022-23 school year. The bill was amended by the House, so the legislation will now go back to the state Senate for consideration.

 Full Story: Rutland Herald (Vt.) (tiered subscription model) (4/29),  VTDigger (Vermont) (4/28) 

4/19/22

As the deadline approaches for the expiration of federal school meal waivers, some state legislatures are considering measures to provide free, universal school meals. California and Maine adopted free statewide school meals in 2021, while Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are introducing similar measures.

 Full Story: K-12 Dive (4/20) 

4/14/2022

In response to Politico's investigation of leadership and processes at the FDA, Sen. Patty Murray, head of the health, education, labor and pensions committee, has asked FDA Commissioner Robert Califf for a written outline of steps he plans to take to bolster food safety. Sen. Murray, in the letter to Califf, asked for "immediate action to ensure the FDA is doing all it can to fulfill all aspects of its mission to protect the health and safety of the American people."

 Full Story: Politico (4/11) 

4/8/2022

US Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who introduced the Support Kids Not Red Tape Act to extend federal school meal waivers with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is also considering ways to include the measure in the Senate's upcoming pandemic relief package. Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for the School Nutrition Association, said the proposed legislation offers the "best hope" to continue free meal service under the waivers.

Full Story: K-12 Dive (4/5) 

4/8/2022

SNA offers a Food Allergy Resource Center (supported by the National Peanut Board), which provides tools and resources for K-12 foodservice professionals to manage food allergies in a school kitchen. One of the helpful tools allows you to submit your questions to an allergy expert. Learn More

4/8/2022

The bill would require that any school participating in the National School Lunch Program offer both flavored and unflavored milk options. 

4/8/2022

On March 28, President Biden released his FY2023 budget request. The budget includes $28.5 billion in discretionary funding for USDA, a $4.8 billion increase from FY2022.

4/8/2022

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) along with 50 of their colleagues introduced S. 3979, the Support Kids Not Red Tape Act to extend pandemic child nutrition waivers through September 2023. Learn More

4/5/2022

The Biden administration has announced new grant funding for K-12 infrastructure, including repairs to school buildings. The grant program comes through the Department of Energy and will direct funds to energy audits and building retrofits, HVAC and lighting upgrades, among other things.

 Full Story: Education Week (4/4) 

4/1/22

National school meal waivers allowing for free meals and increased reimbursement rates that were left out of a recent federal spending bill would be extended under a separate bill, the Support Kids Not Red Tape Act, introduced by two US senators Thursday. Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for the School Nutrition Association, said there will be a decline in access to summer meals if the USDA waivers are not extended, and SNA President Beth Wallace called the proposed bill "absolutely critical to sustaining school meal programs."

 Full Story: NBC News (3/31),  Politico (3/31) 

3/30/22

The USDA announced it is accepting applications for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), which will provide up to $200 million for states to purchase local food for school meal programs. Apply by June 17, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Please refer to the LFS Request for Application (pdf) for more information.

3/22/22

What’s new: On March 14, SNA joined 127 organizations in sending a letter to the White House, urging President Biden to publicly commit to convening a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health.

Why it matters: The letter specified, “A new White House Conference would bring together a broad range of stakeholders to create a real, concrete plan to eliminate hunger and food insecurity, address hunger’s root causes and ensure nutritious food is accessible to all.”

Go deeper: The spending package, signed into law by President Biden last week, directs the Health and Human Services Department to convene the Conference “for the purpose of developing a roadmap to end hunger and improve nutrition by 2030.

3/17/22

The US Department of Education will receive $76.4 billion under a spending package for fiscal year 2022 signed into law Tuesday by President Joe Biden. This article includes highlights from the spending package, such as an increase in discretionary spending.

Full Story: K-12 Dive (3/15)  

March 11, 2022

A federal spending bill appears poised to eliminate a pandemic-era waiver for free school meals, which the School Nutrition Association has been advocating to receive an extension, according to Beth Wallace, president of SNA and executive director of food and nutrition services for Jeffco Public Schools. However, state lawmakers in Colorado are considering a measure that would maintain free meals for all students, reimbursing schools for meals served to students who do not otherwise meet free school meal requirements.

 Full Story: KMGH-TV (Denver) (3/10) 

March 10, 2022

Federal child nutrition waivers that would extend free school meals for all students and higher reimbursement rates were not included in an omnibus spending package advancing through Congress. "We desperately need these waivers to manage unyielding supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, cover rapidly escalating costs and remain viable to support our communities," Beth Wallace, president of the School Nutrition Association, said in a statement. "Congress' failure to act will undoubtedly cause students to go hungry and leave school meal programs in financial peril."

 Full Story: NBC News (3/9),  Politico(3/9),  FoodService Director (3/9) 

March 4, 2022

SNA's 2022 Position Paper, talking points and infographic have been updated in response to the release of the "transitional rule" on school meal standards and USDA's announcement of an upcoming Proposed Rule scheduled for the fall.

Feb. 25, 2022

Congressman Jim McGovern has introduced two pieces of federal legislation -- the Level Up Nutrition for Children in Every School Act, or LUNCHES Act, and the Healthy Breakfasts Help Kids Learn Act -- that would increase funds for school meals and ease costs for school nutrition programs. "During the pandemic, it's been especially problematic with supply chain disruptions that have jacked up costs and labor shortages," said Diane Pratt-Heavner of the School Nutrition Association, which is supporting both bills. "So if we want schools to invest in more staff to be able to freshly prepare student meals, and invest in high-quality ingredients for school menus, we need to provide adequate funding."

Full Story: Spectrum News (2/23) 

Feb. 23, 2022

The Level Up Nutrition for Children in Every School Act introduced in the Congress would raise the reimbursement rate for school lunches to 59.5 cents per meal. The current rate is 10.5 cents per lunch, and the USDA implemented a one-year, 25-cent reimbursement increase last month due to higher food prices.

 Full Story: FoodService Director (2/22),  Greenfield Recorder (Mass.) (tiered subscription model) (2/17) 

Feb. 18, 2022

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has proposed a state budget surplus that would invest $27 million in free school meals for students statewide. If approved, the universal meal program funding would take effect July 1.

 Full Story: WGME-TV (Portland, Maine) (2/15) 

Feb. 8, 2022

SNA praised the USDA for recognizing tremendous challenges facing school meal programs in its release of transitional nutrition standards through SY2023-24. SNA is urging Congress to provide additional support by authorizing child nutrition waiver extensions through SY2022-23 to address immediate supply chain issues, higher costs and the need to maintain pandemic safety measures. Learn more.

Feb. 8, 2022

President Joe Biden's administration has established transitional USDA nutrition standards for flavored milk, whole grain offerings and sodium levels beginning in the 2022-23 school year. "School nutrition professionals are frantic just trying to get enough food on the tray for our students amid relentless supply chain disruptions and labor shortages," Beth Wallace, president of the School Nutrition Association, said in a statement, adding that SNA hopes to work with the USDA "to assess the viability of nutrition standards moving forward."

Full Story: The Associated Press (2/4),  The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (2/4),  CNN (2/4),  Politico Magazine (2/4) 

Feb. 8, 2022

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., is seeking to extend the USDA's current waivers allowing for free school meals for all students -- which are set to expire in June -- through 2023. "This is flexibility that's important, certainly to the children who benefit and the families who benefit, but also to the schools and the school districts that administer these nutrition programs," Spanberger said.

 Full Story: WVIR-TV (Charlottesville, Va.) (2/7) 

Jan. 21, 2022

Recently USDA announced a substantial increase to Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates, effective Jan. 1, 2022. The new rates, part of an annual rate adjustment, increase lunch reimbursements by 25 cents, helping to offset higher pandemic costs. Learn more.

Jan. 10, 2022

The USDA on Friday announced $750 million in support for school nutrition programs nationwide in response to supply chain challenges and inflation. USDA said it would adjust reimbursement rates, sending an additional 25 cents per meal to schools.

Full Story: CNN (1/7),  Axios (1/8)  

Dec. 17, 2021

The Direct Certification with Medicaid Demonstration Projects expanded this week to include eight more states -- bringing the total to 27. Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina and South Carolina will now participate in the program, which automatically enrolls students in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

 Full Story: Newsweek (tiered subscription model) (12/15) 

Dec. 9, 2021

On November 22, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the investment of $32 million in grants awarded to 167 meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to support expanded capacity and efficiency through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program.

November 9, 2021

 

SNA provided comments on USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) Request for Information: Buy American in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, published in the Federal Register on August 4, 2021.

November 9, 2021

On Tuesday, November 2, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research hosted a hearing, “The State of Nutrition in America 2021.

November 9, 2021

On Wednesday, November 3, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture held the hearing, “The Immediate Challenges to our Nation’s Food Supply Chain.” Industry witnesses from across the supply chain described staffing, sourcing and distribution shortages impacting foods delivered to schools.

November 4, 2021

In response to the challenges school nutrition programs are facing, product shortages, discontinued items, price increases, distributor cancellations, delayed or canceled deliveries with little to no notice, and staffing shortages, SNA has produced new videos that are available on YouTube channel. The videos discuss these challenges and what members can do to minimize the disruption to school nutrition programs. Learn More

 

An article, “Tsunami Warning,” in the August 2021 issue of School Nutrition magazine, explores this school year’s hurdles with labor, the supply chain, inventory and more. Bonus web content includes a Q&A with a USDA spokesperson on the likely impacts of supply chain challenges on USDA Foods.

 

USDA Team Nutrition recently released "Planning for a Dynamic School Environment,” which provides valuable information about meal service flexibilities and procurement strategies for school year (SY) 2021-22. It's been updated to include additional information on waivers, P-EBT guidance and policy documents, and is now also available as designed, printer-friendly PDF documents. View Summary of Flexibilities, Table of Flexibilities, Flexibilities in Practice, School Meals Supply Chain Issues.

November 3, 2021

The School Nutrition Association is advocating that the federal government ease sodium requirements under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 because of the many obstacles created by the coronavirus pandemic. Diane Pratt-Heavner, SNA's director of media relations, says the group is seeking to move the second target to July 2024 and eliminate the third target altogether because it is too restrictive.

 Full Story: Baking Business (free registration)

November 2, 2021

The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture will hold a hearing, “The Immediate Challenges to our Nation’s Food Supply Chain,” at 10 a.m. ET Wednesday, November 3.

November 2, 2021

On October 15, USDA FNS issued a memorandum titled “Questions and Answers for Child Nutrition Programs Emergency Procurement Due to Supply Chain Disruptions.”

November 2, 2021

Last week, at the invitation of the White House Domestic Policy Council, SNA briefed members of the Administration's Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials on the impact of supply chain issues on child nutrition programs, detailing procurement challenges, expressing appreciation and urging Administration to provide additional support.

October 30, 2021

USDA Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh responded to SNA’s inquiry regarding the global school meals coalition, “School Meals: Nutrition, Health and Education for Every Child.” The coalition was officially launched at the United Nations’ Food Systems Summit in September and its goal is to promote, strengthen, and expand school feeding programs across the globe to make nutritious meals available for all children by 2030.

 

In the letter Deputy Secretary Bronaugh states, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a leader in school meals, both domestically and internationally. Our partnership with the School Nutrition Association and its members in meeting the nutrition needs of school children across the Nation is integral to that leadership.”

October 30, 2021

On October 21, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) sent a letter to the Honorable Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting a review and analysis of the USDA Foods in Schools Program. The letter requests “that GAO explore opportunities to make the program more efficient, implementation clear and predictable in all states, and provide recommendations for how best to streamline processes and maximize the benefit…” Read the full letter

October 20, 2021

Learn more about the sodium reductions already achieved in school meals and why USDA should ease the timeline for Target 2 reductions, eliminate unachievable Final Target mandates and empower schools that are able to voluntarily reduce sodium beyond Target 2. Read More

October 13, 2021

The FDA has released new guidelines asking chain restaurants, food manufacturers and foodservice operators to voluntarily reduce sodium levels in 163 categories of the most-consumed processed, packaged and prepared foods. The move is to help reduce average American sodium intake by 12% over the next two and a half years, as well as reduce the rate of heart disease in the country, said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock.

Full Story: Reuters (10/13),  NBC News (10/13) 

October 13, 2021

WPDE-TV (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) (10/13) 

October 12, 2021

All students in the Clark County School District in Nevada will have access to free meals through 2025, according to a district announcement that coincided with National School Lunch Week. Superintendent Jesus Jara said in the statement that the universal meals support equity and students' academic success.

Full Story: Las Vegas Sun (10/12)  

October 5, 2021

The House and Senate on Thursday approved a Continuing Resolution, a short-term government funding bill, that keeps federal agencies open through December 3. 

September 30, 2021

Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland is scaling back its free supper program because of supply chain issues. The meals will continue to be available to students participating in before- and after-school enrichment programs, but all other students no longer will be eligible.

Full Story: WTOP-FM (Washington, D.C.) (9/30)  

September 29, 2021

Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new funds to support school meal programs amid ongoing supply chain challenges. The funds are part of a broad package of USDA investments to address challenges facing America's agricultural producers. USDA's press release specified the move will provide up to $1.5 billion to provide assistance to help schools respond to supply chain disruptions, saying "these funds will support procurement of agricultural commodities and enable USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to enhance the toolbox for school nutrition professionals working hard to make sure students have reliable access to healthy meals. Learn more.

September 29, 2021

The USDA announced Wednesday that the department would provide $1.5 billion to school foodservice programs this year, as schools report supply chain challenges, labor shortages and rising costs. The School Nutrition Association welcomed the relief and, in a statement, said the association "will continue to work with USDA and Congress to address the urgent needs of school meal programs, so critical to student achievement and wellness."

Full Story: Education Week(9/29),  CNN (9/29),  The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (9/29),  BNN Bloomberg (Canada) (9/29) 

September 28, 2021

On September 21, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced H.R. 5309, the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act. 

September 28, 2021

On September 20, SNA signed onto an allied letter to House and Senate leaders that urges Congress to invest in students and child nutrition programs during the budget reconciliation process for the Build Back Better Act. 

September 28, 2021

On September 22, in response to concerns previously raised by SNA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a new set of child nutrition program waivers for the 2021-22. 

September 15, 2021

On September 8, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published new technical assistance and guidance on “Nutrition, Allergen, and Ingredient Information for USDA Foods in Schools." 

September 9, 2021

Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) recently introduced S. 1270, the Access to Healthy Food for Young Children Act, which aims to invest in and improve the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to make it easier for childcare providers to serve nutritious, healthy meals for young children. Read Sen. Casey's full press release.

September 9, 2021

It’s not too late to register for today’s webinar featuring chef-inspired ideas and best practices for managing common allergens in school meals, but did you know that SNA’s Learning Center also includes an allergy resource center with additional training and allergy resources from the CDC? Learn more. Sponsored by the National Peanut Board.

September 9, 2021

On September 2, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack, along with other representatives from USDA, met virtually with SNA, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and other allied organizations to discuss the importance of Healthy School Meals for All. During this meeting, each organization shared personal testimony on the critical importance of Healthy School Meals for All and the educational benefits of each student receiving a healthy, nutritious meal. Read More

September 7, 2021

Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) sent out a sign-on letter addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA), urging for a $100 billion investment in child nutrition programs and policies. This letter calls for the passage of  H.R. 3115, the Universal School Meals Program Act, and cites  SNA's research that shows "school meal program directors across the country reported that serving school meals to all students during the pandemic increased access, improved equity and fueled a large decrease in unpaid school meals debt." This letter also articulates support for  H.R. 4379, the School Food Modernization Act, as part of the reconciliation package. Read Congressmen DeSaulnier's full letter.

September 7, 2021

On September 2, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack, along with other representatives from USDA,  met virtually with SNA, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and other allied organizations to discuss the importance of  Healthy School Meals for All. During this meeting, each organization shared personal testimony on the critical importance of Healthy School Meals for All and the  educational benefits of each student receiving a healthy, nutritious meal. SNA CEO Patricia Montague also shared member testimony on the current supply chain disruptions impacting school nutrition professionals and thanked Secretary Vilsack for current COVID waivers. Secretary Vilsack committed to working with all organizations and with Members of Congress on identifying ways to advocate for universal meals moving forward.

September 2, 2021

The North Carolina State Board of Education on Thursday approved allocating $10 million in additional federal coronavirus relief funds to support recruitment and retention of school nutrition professionals. During the coronavirus pandemic, school nutrition professionals in the state have served more than 210 million meals.

Full Story: WLOS-TV (Asheville, N.C.) (9/2) 

August 30, 2021

The Stop Child Hunger Act of 2021 under consideration in Congress would permanently extend universal, free school meal programs that began because of the coronavirus pandemic. Gina Cornia, executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, is supporting the legislation and said that without the bill these programs are at risk of expiring at the end of the school year.

Full Story: Utah Public Radio (8/30) 

August 29, 2021

Several school districts in Marin County, Calif., are preparing to provide free breakfasts and lunches for all students during the 2022-23 school year. The move is in line with California's decision to reimburse meal costs for public schools.

Full Story: Marin Independent Journal (San Rafael, Calif.) (8/29) 

August 25, 2021

SNA sent recommendations last week to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on ways the USDA can ease pressure on programs struggling with procurement problems. It urges USDA to ease a variety of procurement, meal pattern, monitoring and reporting requirements to reduce burdens on school nutrition professionals scrambling to secure food and supplies for students, while also meeting federal regulatory mandates. The letter also calls for additional financial support for school meal programs. Learn more.

August 19, 2021

A School Nutrition Association survey found that supply chain disruptions are a concern for 97% of districts, which is the case in South Carolina, where some school nutrition professionals said food supply challenges are affecting menus. Anderson School District Five is reporting trouble procuring poultry, paper products and canned vegetables. While there will be disruptions and menu substitutions, SNA media director Diane Pratt-Heavner said there is certainly enough food to ensure that all students are fed.

Full Story: Independent Mail (Anderson, S.C.)(8/19) 

August 11, 2021

The USDA will review its "Buy American" provisions for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The department is asking for public feedback on the provisions, including how they are implemented and what support might be needed.

Full Story: The Packer (Lenexa, Kan.) (8/6)  

July 22, 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it's awarding a record-breaking $12 million in Farm to School Grants for FY 2021. Farm to School Grants help to expand the access to fresh, local foods and hands-on agricultural learning for children across 45 states and the District of Columbia. The awarded projects will serve more than 1.4 million students at more than 6,800 schools. Read USDA's full press release.

July 25, 2021

On July 9, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Glenn Thompson (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan bill H.R. 4379, the School Food Modernization Act. This bill would help local schools replace outdated kitchen equipment to provide more students access to healthy and nutritious meals. Specifically, it would allow schools to participate in a loan assistance program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help them buy new kitchen equipment and build new infrastructure. Read Congressmen DeSaulnier's full press release.

July 22, 2021

On July 16, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its annual adjustments to 2021-22 School Year (SY) reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch Program,Special Milk, School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the Child and Adult Care (CACFP). In school food authorities that served less than 60% free and reduced-price lunches in School Year (SY) 2019-2020, the payments for meals served are Contiguous States—paid rate—$.035 ($0.02 increase), free and reduced-price rate—35 cents ($0.02 increase), maximum rate—$0.43 ($0.02 increase). Overall, reimbursement rates this year for the NSLP, SBP and the SMP either remained the same or increased compared to last year, and these rates are effective through June 30, 2022.

July 21, 2021

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legislation to provide universal, free school meals to all students statewide that advocates say would have health and other benefits for students. "School meals are a platform for children to get more than 50% of their calories, their healthiest meal of the day, and that will have a huge effect on this nutritional crisis," said Massachusetts General Hospital pediatrician Dr. Awab Ali Ibrahim.

 Full Story: Boston (7/20)  

July 21, 2021

The Universal School Meals Program Act would have multiple benefits, writes Matthew Landry, a registered dietitian nutritionist and postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford University. In this commentary, Landry describes how free school meals have improved outcomes in students' health, reduced stigma around free meals and provided benefits for overall school foodservice operations.

 Full Story: The Conversation (7/20) 

July 15, 2021

Last week, California officially became the first state to permanently adopt free school meals for all K-12 students after Governor Newsom signed SB 129 into law, a 2021-22 operating budget that fully funds school meals for all students at no cost. The state of Maine closely followed as Governor Janet Mills signed a new two-year state budget into law, ensuring Maine students will have equal access to free, healthy school meals. Learn more.

July 15, 2021

Officials in Maine are encouraging families to complete paperwork to apply for free and reduced-price school meals -- despite the meals being offered for free to all students, regardless of income. At issue, officials say, is that the data is used to determine education funding in other areas.

 Full Story: Portland Press Herald (Maine) (tiered subscription model) (7/14) 

July 13, 2021

Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed the updated state budget into law last month, which included funding to create statewide universal school meals beginning in the 2022-23 school year. "When every child can access a free meal at school, there's no shame or stigma associated with taking a meal," said Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, which also is urging for universal school meal legislation at the federal level.

 Full Story: WCSH-TV/WLBZ-TV (Portland-Bangor, Maine) (7/13) 

July 12, 2021

Maine has joined California in adopting universal, free meals for the 2022-23 school year and beyond. "I think families and schools have realized how valuable free meal service has been over the last few years, and it's going to be very difficult if schools have to go back to this burdensome application process and charging families for this service once the pandemic waivers have expired," said Diane Pratt-Heavner, a School Nutrition Association spokesperson. "I think there are a lot of states and the federal government that are looking ahead and thinking about the need to keep this free meal service available."

 Full Story: Portland Press Herald (Maine) (tiered subscription model)(7/12) 

July 12, 2021

Most school nutrition professionals are unprepared to implement federal limits on sodium targets for school meals -- the next phase of which is scheduled to take effect next year -- according to a School Nutrition Association survey, because of concerns about students not enjoying the new food options as well as many school meal foods such as milk, cheese and meat having naturally occurring sodium. SNA is asking for the deadline to be pushed back and for changes to federal requirements for whole grains in school meals.

 Full Story: FoodNavigator (7/9)  

July 8, 2021

The U.S. House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services held a hearing on priorities for Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR). IT'S TIME TO TAKE ACTION: Urge your legislators to pass a CNR bill that includes SNA's CNR Task Force recommendations to expand access to school meals, increase reimbursements and address complexities.

July 1, 2021

On June 15, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the hearing, "Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Request for the U.S. Department of Agriculture." Learn More

July 1, 2021

Foods that contain sesame must indicate that on the packaging by January 1, 2023, according to a law signed this spring by President Joseph R. Biden. The FASTER Act also mandates a report on food allergy-focused research opportunities. Learn More

July 1, 2021

On June 23, SNA, along with 447 other organizations, signed on to an allied letter by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) to President Biden and Vice President Harris, urging Congress and the Biden administration to take additional steps toward ending childhood hunger by providing healthy school meals to all students at no cost. Read More