Sign On to Urge Congress for An Extension of USDA Nationwide Waiver Authority

Please join us along with national partners in urging Congress to extend USDA’s nationwide child nutrition waiver authority in light of the ongoing pandemic, continuing school closures, and the need for flexibility to serve children. 

Waivers have allowed child nutrition program operators to respond to the fallout from COVID-19, alleviate child hunger, and advance racial equity and child well-being. Throughout the pandemic, schools and community meal sponsors have relied on these waivers to feed kids during school and childcare closures, safely serve meals in person and adapt to supply chain and operational challenges. USDA is currently only authorized to issue waivers for this school year and needs Congress to extend their authority through School Year 2022-2023. It is critical that USDA has continued flexibility to respond to the ongoing and evolving impacts of the pandemic.

We are joined in this effort by many organizations including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Afterschool Alliance; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Feeding America; Food Research & Action Center; National Recreation and Park Association; School Nutrition Association; and YMCA of the USA.
 
Please review the letter and use this form to sign on your organization no later than Wednesday, February 2nd. This opportunity is intended for national, state, and local organizations, including schools and program sponsors.