Kearney Extends Free Meals for Kids Through USDA Funding

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on August 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as December 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months.

The Kearney School District will continue the free meal program through December 2020

According to a USDA press release this unprecedented move will help ensure – no matter what the situation is on-the-ground – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA has been and continues to be committed to using the congressionally appropriated funding that has been made available.

On September 9 The Kearney School District (KSD) announced that it will be able to continue utilizing the free meal program through the end of December 2020, or until available funding through USDA runs out. KSD along with Southwest Foodservice Excellence has been working with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to determine whether KSD is eligible to extend the free meal service that was provided during the spring and summer.

Beginning Thursday, September 10, meals are available Monday-Friday for any student in the Kearney School District boundaries ages 1-18. KSD released a letter that shares how families may receive meals based on grade level and instructional learning choice.

Free meals include breakfast and lunch but do not include ala carte items, extra milk or second lunches. Students can take advantage of this program whether they are learning in-person or through KSD Connect. All meals (breakfast and lunch) will be available for curbside pickup at Kearney Elementary from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. Families that are not enrolled with KSD but living in the district may also participate in this meal program and pick up meals at Kearney Elementary.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this report