USDA Temporarily Relaxing Requirements for School Meal Programs

WASHINGTON, DC – On the heels of an unprecedented shutdown of schools nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA is preparing for multiple scenarios this fall for feeding kids. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced waivers that provide states, schools, and childcare providers the flexibility and time to plan for new and innovative feeding options. With some states reversing their reopening plans due to increased coronavirus outbreaks, schools are also having to weigh all the possible options. Perdue says his announcement allows partners in the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to choose how best to serve their students. One example is the waiving of the requirement for high schools to provide students the option to select some of the foods offered in a meal. The practice, known as “offer versus serve” will be difficult to maintain if social distancing or meals-in-the-classroom models are still being promoted. Ultimately, Perdue explains, these waivers will reduce barriers to meal service options as the country transitions back to normal operations while simultaneously responding to evolving local conditions.
(SOURCE: USDA)