Update:USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through December 31, 2020

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 08/31/2020 11:03 AM PDT

Update: USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through December 31, 2020

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as December 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This will help ensure children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next Steps

OSPI CNS awaiting USDA guidance and will release additional information as it becomes available. Please join us for our food services webinar on Wednesday at 2pm PT.

Background

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is extending a suite of nationwide waivers for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through the end of 2020, or until available funding runs out. This includes:

Allowing SFSP and SSO meals to be served in all areas and at no cost;
Permitting meals to be served outside of the typically-required group settings and meal times;
Waiving meal pattern requirements as necessary; and
Allowing parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children.

Collectively, these flexibilities ensure meal options for children continue to be available so children can access meals under all circumstances. USDA is taking this unprecedented action to respond to the needs of its stakeholders, who have shared concerns about continuing to reach those in need without enlisting the help of traditional summer sites located throughout communities across the U.S.

For more information on FNS’ response to COVID-19, visit fns.usda.gov/coronavirus.

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Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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