The USDA said it will increase funding to help schools continue to serve healthy meals this coming school year and provided financial relief for schools and childcare providers.   The reimbursement schools will get for each meal served will increase by 68 cents per free or reduced-price lunch and 32 cents per free or reduced-price breakfast.   The increase supports school and childcare providers dealing with rising food costs.

“The boost in reimbursements will help provide financial relief for schools so they can continue serving high-quality meals to students amid higher food costs and continuing supply chain challenges,” said Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services. “USDA is fully committed to using every resource in its toolbelt to ensure kids get the healthy meals they need to grow, learn, and thrive.”

The USDA will provide an additional $2 billion for schools to purchase domestic food for their meal programs.

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