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.