The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a substantial increase to Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimbursement rates, effective January 1, 2022. The new rates, part of an annual rate adjustment, increase lunch reimbursements by 25 cents, helping to offset higher pandemic costs. The change will provide an estimated $750 million additional funds for child nutrition programs. Due to pandemic waivers, schools are eligible to receive SFSP reimbursement rates for meals served during School Year 2021/22.
“This rate adjustment delivers desperately-needed relief to school meal programs, struggling with tight budgets that are stressed by rising pandemic costs and supply chain disruptions,” said School Nutrition Association President Beth Wallace, MBA, SNS. “SNA greatly appreciates USDA’s ongoing efforts to provide additional support for school nutrition professionals who are working so hard to ensure students continue to receive healthy meals at school.”
USDA’s press release provides further details, including a state-by-state breakdown of additional funds for school meal programs through the rate increase and other supports provided by USDA this year.
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