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."