Congressman Tim Ryan Votes to Extend School and Summer Meal Waivers for Kids

Press Release

Today, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) voted to pass the Keep Kids Fed Act, legislation to ensure schools can continue providing meals for students despite ongoing supply chain issues. The bill would allow the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional assistance to child nutrition programs by reimbursing them at a higher rate as they continue to serve healthy meals.

"We know that school meal programs are critical to helping kids learn and grow. And we can't expect students to thrive when they don't know where their next meal is coming from,"

said Congressman Ryan. "I was proud to vote for this bill, which takes an urgent step in our fight to address child hunger and ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive."

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which Congressman Ryan supported, Congress provided USDA with key flexibilities to help child nutrition programs continue serving children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief has helped feed hungry students during the school closures, virtual learning, and social distancing that disrupted traditional meal service. Without the Keep Kids Fed Act, important flexibilities provided under FFCRA will expire on June 30, 2022.

The Keep Kids Fed Act would:

Provide nationwide waiver authority for school meal flexibilities that do not increase costs;
Allow waivers related to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) during the summer months;
Increase reimbursement rates for the 2022-2023 school year by an additional 15 cents per breakfast and 40 cents per lunch; and
Provide enhanced support to the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP).

Source