Agriculture Department extends school meal program through mid-2022

• The USDA also extended critical support to families who struggle with food insecurity — particularly amid the financial crunch of the pandemic.

What they're saying: “States and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for safe reopening in the fall," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "USDA answered the call to help America’s schools and childcare institutions serve high quality meals while being responsive to their local needs as children safely return to their regular routines."

• "[S]chools and both child and adult care institutions can continue providing breakfasts, lunches, and after school snacks in non-group settings at flexible meal times," the statement read.
• The action also increases the reimbursement rate to school meal operators, Vilsack said.

The big picture: Federal officials estimate up to 12 million children are living in households where they may not always have enough to eat.

• A recent study from Tufts University found food consumed at schools provided the best diet quality of major U.S. food sources among children and adults.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that school meal programs, including breakfast, lunch and after school snacks, have been extended.