USDA is granting a waiver to allow local partners, who have been working overtime serving meals to kids during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to continue serving free meals to all children for the remainder of the summer.

“As our nation reopens and people return to work, it remains critical our children continue to receive safe, healthy, and nutritious food. We are extending one of the significant flexibilities provided in March during the coronavirus national emergency to schools, summer sites, and other folks who operate our programs so they can best adapt to the situation on-the-ground and serve our children well,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Since the start of the national public health crisis, the Food and Nutrition Service has worked to ensure those in need have access to one or more of the 15 nutrition assistance programs under USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service’s umbrella. To date, FNS has approved over 2,800 flexibilities and will continue to work with states and other partners as the nation turns its focus to reopening in a safe way. 

In addition to this waiver extension, Perdue announced the extension of three additional nationwide waivers, giving child nutrition program operators the flexibility they need to continue leveraging innovative solutions in support of social distancing – such as delivery and grab n’ go – throughout the remaining summer months.

Related:Perdue announces changes to school lunch regs

The nationwide waiver extended as part of USDA’s announcement is for area eligibility, which allows all children in all areas to receive free meals through USDA’s summer meals programs. Typically, USDA funded summer meals sites are limited to low-income areas.  

In addition to granting significant program flexibilities through both nationwide and state waivers, USDA has taken numerous other actions to ensure children have food to eat throughout the pandemic, including: 

Source: USDA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

Related:School lunch may still be offered if coronavirus closes school