Glen Rock. Federal support needed for free and low-cost school lunches during Covid-19 crisis

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) this week asked that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waive restrictions on North Jersey schools so they can continue to receive federal support for free and reduced-price meals to students in need throughout scheduled spring breaks.

As North Jersey schools modify their calendars, many will postpone or cancel their spring breaks. However, some will continue with the breaks as scheduled, which means meals served during those breaks are not eligible for federal reimbursement.

“Unfortunately, as students and families face the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many are also facing food insecurity,” Gottheimer wrote in a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. “Schools are currently addressing a wide range of issues as they work to provide quality education to New Jersey students. We must ensure that maintaining the food security of students does not become one of these problems.”

More than five hundred thousand students in New Jersey are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches throughout the school year.