Over the weekend, the USDA approved requests from Washington as well as California to allow meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to the new coronavirus. The meals are available at no cost to low-income children, and are not required to be served in a group setting, to ensure kids receive nutritious meals while schools are temporarily closed.

The waivers are effective immediately and will continue through June 30.

Brandon Lipps, Deputy Undersecretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, said the agency “stands ready” to provide additional assistance to the two states, along with any other areas impacted by COVID-19. Confirmed cases of the virus are expected to increase in the United States as the availability of test kits increases.

USDA said all Food and Nutrition Service programs have flexibilities and contingencies built-in to allow them to respond to on-the-ground realities in the event of a disaster or emergency.

Visit the USDA's Website for more information about the coronavirus.

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