New FRAC Report Highlights the Urgent Need to Extend Child Nutrition Waivers
School meals are a critical component of our nation’s response to the pandemic. During school year (SY) 2020–2021 and SY 2021–2022 , school meals , provided millions of students nutritious food whether they were attending school in person or virtually.
According to FRAC’s recently published Large School District Report: Operating School Nutrition Programs During the Pandemic, which surveyed 62 large districts across 31 states, the child nutrition waivers have been critical in helping school districts respond to school closures, student quarantines, distance learning and other challenges during COVID-19. Congress had given the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to issue these waivers during the pandemic but, unfortunately, they are due to expire on June 30 despite the ongoing need.