U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it is extending and expanding the food assistance program that has been providing free meals to millions of children during the coronavirus pandemic.
Area schools have been notified of the extension of free school meals program from Sept. 1 through Dec, 31, 2020.
USDA said that in the last six months, “partners across the country have stood up nearly 80,000 sites” for meal distribution. The department typically distributes meals to just under 30 million students each day. USDA said the changes come in response to “the needs of its stakeholders, who have shared concerns about continuing to reach those in need.”
This means that any meals purchased after Sept. 1 will be credited back to the families’ accounts.
Breakfasts and lunches at Boone Central Public Schools will be provided to students free of charge regardless of current status through Dec. 31.
The program does not include second helpings, milk break and milk purchased with a meal from home. There will still be charges for these.
At Boone Central, students under quarantine or in remote learning can call the school by 9:30 a.m. to request a grab and go meal to be picked up by a family member and taken home.
Free school meals now through Dec. 31
