The Department of Agriculture shared a statement June 22 on a congressional deal for child nutrition from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Congress recently reached a bipartisan deal to extend child nutrition waivers into the summer and the 2022-2023 school year, according to U.S. News.

"The school and other nutrition professionals who make these meals possible need additional resources and continued flexibilities as they grapple with the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic," Vilsack said.

Disruptions in the supply chain, inflation, as well as increasing gas prices "required them to be creative to ensure students were fed, especially in communities with overwhelming food insecurity," U.S. News reported.

"The deal announced yesterday by Chairwoman Stabenow, ranking member Boozman, Chairman Scott and ranking member Foxx would ease uncertainty and bring a measure of relief to our schools, summer sites and child care feeding programs," Vilsack said.

The nutrition waivers were scheduled to expire at the end of June, according to U.S. News.

"I want to thank these members, as well as Chairwoman DeLauro and all of Congress for taking this important step forward," Vilsack said. "It is important to note that schools across the country still face ongoing challenges and at USDA we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure kids get the nutritious meals they need and deserve."

Of the 62 largest school districts in the country, 95% report school lunch waivers helped reduce child hunger in their districts, according to U.S. News. Of those schools, 80% said waivers made it less stressful for parents removed the stigma of receiving free school meals. It is also credited with enhancing academic achievement opportunities.