At midnight on October 1, the federal government entered a shutdown due to Congress’ failure to pass a funding agreement.
According to USDA’s Lapse of Funding Plan, there should be no immediate impact on school meal funding or operations.
SNA continues to reach out to USDA to request clarity on how a prolonged shutdown may impact school meals. Several State agencies have reported they do not have adequate funding to cover October’s meals and that reimbursements could be delayed should the shutdown extend beyond November 1. However, USDA’s Lapse of Funding Plan states funding is available for meals served in September and October, and that key staff will be excepted from furlough to support operations. SNA’s FAQ provides further details, and this document will be updated as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, with many federal workers and contractors furloughed or impacted by the recent federal Reduction in Force (RIFs), SNA encourages members to promote Free and Reduced-Price meal applications to your community. Remind families that at any time of year, applications can be resubmitted due to the loss of income.
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