Federal Bill Leaves Out Free School Meal Waivers
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."