The Biden administration is sending a clear signal that strengthening child nutrition programs is a priority with additional steps taken this month to bolster such programs.
In a June 30 U.S. Department of Agriculture news release, $1 billion in funding for schools across the country was announced to support the purchase of food for meal programs. The Department also praised President Joe Biden for signing the Keep Kids Fed Act.
“The Biden administration knows that ongoing impacts of supply chain issues and rising food costs continue to be a challenge for many schools and child nutrition operators, and we are thankful for Congress stepping up to ease some of their burdens," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release. “On our end, this funding boost is yet another step the administration is taking to ensure every child who needs a meal, gets one. No matter the circumstances, USDA and all our partners must continue collaborating to provide our young ones with the healthy meals they count on.”
The goal of the program is to provide access to healthy, nutritious food for students across the country, according to the release.
In total, $943 million is being made available through the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation, the release reported. Funds will be provided to state agencies for distribution to schools. With the funds, schools are expected to purchase domestically-grown foods for their meal programs, boosting health for students.
According to the release, $1 billion was previously allocated for this program in December 2021.
