The non-profit School Nutrition Association commended the Biden Administration today for extending several COVID-19 waivers to ensure students can continue to safely receive free school meals through the 2021-22 school year. Association members had called for waiver extensions to provide safe, equal access to healthy school meals and address continued pandemic meal service challenges.
"Another year of free meals for all students is a win for Ottumwa's kids," said Yvonne Johnson, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. "As we continue to be aware of households with children experiencing hunger, families are looking to us for support. We are pleased that United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) responded by putting children first."
Under the waivers, school nutrition programs can maintain grab-and-go meal options and pandemic safety measures to protect students and staff. Schools can continue curbside meal pick-up services for distance learners as needed. School nutrition staff can also minimize touch points and promote social distancing in the cafeteria, because they will not need to verify student eligibility for free meals.
School nutrition directors, facing ongoing supply chain disruptions and higher pandemic costs, needed certainty on the availability of the waivers to place orders and plan menus for the year ahead. The waivers also allow schools to continue receiving the higher per-meal reimbursement rate offered under the Summer Food Service Program.
"We strive to ensure Ottumwa's children have nutritious meals every day" said Johnson. "Proper nutrition and learning go hand-in-hand, you can't teach a hungry child. This extension is another way Ottumwa can Be The Best in providing for our students and families.