The U.S. Department of Agriculture is increasing funding for school lunches.
According to a July 22 USDA news release, the amount that schools are compensated for each meal served will rise by about $0.68 for free or reduced-price lunches and $0.32 for free or reduced-price breakfasts, effective July 1. Online resources provide access to additional reimbursement rates, such as those for paid school meals and child care meals.
“The boost in reimbursements will help provide financial relief for schools so they can continue serving high-quality meals to students amid higher food costs and persistent supply chain challenges," Stacy Dean, USDA deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, said in the release. "USDA is fully committed to using every resource in its tool belt to ensure kids get the healthy meals they need to grow, learn and thrive.”
This rise is the result of the recent Keep Kids Fed Act, which temporarily increased payouts per meal while also requiring an annual adjustment to reimbursement rates to reflect the cost of food, the release reported. In addition to the approximately $2 billion in extra funds previously allocated by the USDA, this will contribute an estimated $4.3 billion to school lunch and child care meal programs across the country this academic year.
The initiative, which is a part of the Biden administration's efforts to reduce costs and provide American families a little more breathing room, would benefit schools and child care facilities struggling with growing food costs.
