The USDA is taking steps to make it easier for students to keep getting free meals through next school year. Officials announced this week that a number of COVID-19-related flexibilities have been extended through June 30, 2022.
The USDA says that includes letting schools continue using the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option during the school year. Schools’ federal meal reimbursement will also be higher than normal.
Schools will continue to be given more flexibility when it comes to meal times and serving meals in non-group settings. Parents and guardians will also be allowed to pick up meals for their kids “when programs are not operating normally.”
