Keep Kids Fed Act Officially Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WENY) – The bipartisan Keep Kids Fed Act has been officially signed into law.

The bill extends child nutrition waivers that give funding and flexibility to schools, daycares, nonprofits and other meal providers. It enables them to continue providing free meals to students this summer.

“No child should ever go hungry, and now schools will have the funding and flexibility needed to ensure kids stay healthy and fed this summer. Over 800,000 New York students and millions of children across the country depend on these waivers for daily meals, and this bill gives our schools the support they need to continue to provide free nutritious meals and the flexibility they need to operate amidst the ongoing supply chain challenges,” said Senator Schumer.

“Summer is often the time of year when food insecurity is highest for children and this support comes just in the nick of time. I am proud to have led the Senate to ensure these waivers could continue curbing childhood hunger and giving our families the peace of mind they need to not worry about where their kids’ next meal is coming from this summer.”

During the pandemic, Congress authorized the USDA to issue waivers to boost school meal programs to feed children. However, the waiver was set to expire on June 30th putting summer meal programs in jeopardy.

Thanks to the new legislation, An estimated 800,000 thousand New York students will receive meals throughout the summer.