The Department’s Office for Food and Nutrition Programs recently sent districts a message about Congress not extending universal free meals past June 30. Starting July 1, all schools will return to the National School Lunch Program. If schools do not participate in the Community Eligibility Program, free and reduced price meals will only be offered to students directly certified for these meals or approved through a household application.
As it stands right now, grab and go meals also will not be allowed past June 30. This means that all 2022 Summer Eats sites will need to return to congregate meals. Additionally, the eligibility criteria to be a Summer Eats site will return to the pre-pandemic criteria, meaning many sites that have operated the past few summers will no longer be eligible.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office for Food and Nutrition Programs will provide updates and guidance as they become available. @MASchoolsK12
Update on School Meals
March 30, 2022