AUSTIN –U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the Texas Department of Agriculture’s request for a waiver that would allow them to continue to serve no-cost meals to low-income students during school closures. The waiver negates the National School Lunch Act requirement that schools serve foods in a group setting, which will help curb the spread of coronavirus through social distancing and ensure students continue to receive much-needed meals.
“Millions of young Texans are eligible for free lunch programs, and families across the state rely on schools to provide their children with nutritious meals each day,” said Sen. Cornyn. “While closing schools is critical to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, I’m grateful to the Administration for realizing the toll these closures could take on some Texas children and families and ensuring access to school lunches will continue.”