House Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Extend USDA Waiver Authority

On February 7, the bipartisan Keeping School Meals Flexible Act was introduced by Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and John Katko (R-NY). The bill would extend USDA’s authority to establish, grant, or extend child nutrition waivers through the upcoming school year, ending on June 30, 2023. All 12 waivers currently in place and USDA’s waiver authority are set to expire on June 30, 2022.

AASA has endorsed the bill and hopes Congress moves swiftly to act on this important issue. The current USDA waivers have given school districts across the country the critical flexibility necessary to continue to provide healthy meals to students, while navigating supply chain issues, school closures, and more. Extending the waivers for the 2022-2023 school year will provide an important safety net to schools as operations gradually return to normal.