Federal waiver that gives free lunch to students set to expire June 30

A federal waiver that gives free school lunch to students is expected to conclude at the end of June.

The congressional child nutrition waiver gives free school breakfast and lunch to students regardless of their family’s income. That waiver is set to expire on June 30.

The free school meals program began in March 2020 with some of the waivers expanding into summer food programs. Experts believe a crisis for struggling families will happen if the program ends, and cafeterias are already having problems because of supply chain issues.

Some states, such as California, have passed universal free school meal programs. Advocates are hoping Congress will take action.