Free and reduced-price meals - no more junk fees
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that students eligible for free and reduced-price school meals will no longer face junk fees when purchasing meals through the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
This policy aims to ease the financial burden on families with incomes below 185% of the federal poverty line, which amounts to $57,720 for a family of four.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also assess fees charged to families, aiming to eliminate online junk fees for all households to further enhance access to nutritious meals.
In a memo sent to schools nationwide, the USDA outlined this policy, emphasizing that the implementation date allows schools to adapt their systems or form new contracts. However, schools are encouraged to implement the requirement sooner.
The memo reiterates the USDA’s commitment to providing families with a free and accessible method for depositing funds into school meal accounts and ensuring families are informed about these options.
“USDA and schools across America share the common goal of nourishing schoolchildren and giving them the fuel they need to learn, grown and thrive,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “While today’s action to eliminate extra fees for lower income households is a major step in the right direction, the most equitable path forward is to offer every child access to healthy school meals at no cost. We will continue to work with Congress to move toward that goal so all kids have the nutrition they need to reach their full potential.”
“Today’s announcement reflects the President and Vice President’s broader efforts to lower food costs and eliminate junk fees,” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard. “The Department of Agriculture’s action applies to the 1 million children who receive reduced priced meals and lays the foundation to eliminate these junk fees for all 30 million children that receive healthy meals at school every day.”
With around 30 million children served nutritious meals daily, this initiative is crucial for promoting equitable access to healthy food options.