Responding to food inflation, the Agriculture Department said it would increase reimbursements to schools by about $1.3 billion for meals served during the 2022/23 academic year compared to the past school year. Schools would receive an additional $3 billion under a school nutrition bill passed by Congress last month.
Altogether, the reimbursement rates to schools would increase by 68 cents for each free or reduced-price meal and by 15 cents for each free or reduced-price breakfast, said the USDA. Its Food and Nutrition Service adjusts reimbursement rates annually for inflation. The “Keep Kids Fed Act” said schools would receive an additional 40 cents for each lunch served and 15 cents for each breakfast.
“The boost in reimbursements will help provide financial relief for schools so they can continue serving high-quality meals to students amid higher food costs and persistent supply chain challenges,” said Stacy Dean, Agriculture deputy undersecretary. The USDA also has provided $2 billion for schools to use in buying domestic food.