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Loss of free universal meal waivers will “devastate school meal programs” and is a “worst-case scenario” for children nationwide, anti-hunger advocates and education leaders say.
Strong leadership and communication have been critical to administrative offices and all staff throughout schools.
In a statement released Dec. 16, President Biden said negotiations will “continue next week,” adding that “it takes time to finalize these agreements, prepare the legislative changes, and finish all the parliamentary and procedural steps needed to enable a Senate vote.”
Build Back Better bill includes $112 million each for school leadership and teacher development and funding for universal pre-K and free school meals.
District leaders are having to change menus daily as food suppliers are forced to substitute products, putting pressure on students with allergies to check ingredients.
Compared to this time last year, when administrators scrambled to feed students amid the new COVID calamity, the road ahead seems less threatening despite the persistent challenges.
School districts will be able to provide free meals for students through the end of the 2021-22 school year due to extension nutrition waivers by Biden's USDA.
Participation in Connecticut school meal service dropped 32% in March 2020 but the free- and reduced-lunch numbers returned to typical levels in April and May.
Early this school year, Superintendent Brian Kuhn doubted that Clark-Shawnee Local School District could stick with hybrid learning through Thanksgiving.
The rules would allow for flavored milk, cut the amount of whole grains, and delay requirements to reduce sodium.
Meriden Public Schools in Connecticut has adapted in creative ways, from using tents, classroom and bus seating charts, student cohorts, and more to make in-person learning possible.