USDA Extends Free Meals to Children Through Summer 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended several waivers that allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals this summer when schools are out of session through September 30, 2021.

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USDA is extending these waivers to provide local program operators with clarity and certainty for the summer months ahead, when many children cannot access the school meals they depend on during the academic year. The waivers were previously extended only through June 30, 2021.

The waivers allow for safe meal distribution sites that serve all children for free, regardless of income. In addition, the waivers:

• Allow meals served through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) – collectively known as “summer meal programs” – to be made available in all areas at no cost;

• Allow meals to be served outside of the normally required group settings and meal times; and

• Allow parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children, including bulk pick-up to cover multiple days of feeding children.

Summer meal sites are places where children and youth age 18 and younger can receive meals at no cost in a safe environment. The meals are also available to people older than 18 with mental or physical disabilities. Sites may be located in a variety of settings including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, churches and more.

To learn more about how the program works and the role of sponsors and meal sites, visit the USDA website and the PA Department of Education website.