Newsroom

FNS is increasing the reimbursement rates that child nutrition program operators receive for meals served in Hawaii from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States rates. In recognition of the higher food costs in these locations, the increased reimbursement rates will begin on July 1 to help ensure Hawaii schools have access to the resources needed to continue serving children nutritious, high-quality food while also building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient local food system.

In January 2021, President Biden released the National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. The plan is driven by science, data, and public health to improve the effectiveness of our nation’s fight against COVID-19 and to restore trust, accountability and a sense of common purpose in our response to the pandemic.

President Donald Trump proclaimed this week National School Lunch Week 2020, highlighting the vital role of school nutrition professionals in ensuring that children in all communities nationwide continue to get nutritious meals, despite the challenges posed by the current public health emergency.

USDA awarded $12.1 million in Farm to School Grants – the most awarded since the grant program’s inception ‒ to 159 grantees – the most projects funded to date. These awards will help bring fresh, local foods into schools and foster economic opportunity for America’s farmers over the next school year.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Georgia and Iowa have been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act  which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Alaska has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. 

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Hawaii has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Florida and Minnesota have been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.

Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Washington has been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures.

Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a major expansion of Meals to You, USDA’s innovative partnership with the Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, McLane Global and PepsiCo, to feed low-income kids in rural areas.

While President Donald J. Trump continues to take action during this COVID-19 National Emergency and enact measures to ensure Americans are safe, secure, and healthy, USDA continues to be open for business to provide services to the American people.

Secretary Sonny Perdue issued this statement following President Donald J. Trump’s Declaration of a National Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

USDA has approved a request from California to allow meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19). These 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.

USDA has approved a request from Washington State to allow meal service during school closures to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19. These 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.