The Universal School Meals Program Act was passed last year to ensure that every child had free lunch regardless of income, as the pandemic brought more food insecurity to homes, but the program cut when Congress reduced pandemic-era spending in the 2022 budget.

Congress did not extend United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service authority to allow all students to eat school meals free of charge in school year 2022 to 2023, a choice that will effect around 10 million children this school year, according to Forbes.

Dr. Patty Bennett, Regional Administrator for the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, said all students will receive free or reduced school school meals, this year there's just one additional step, to submit an application.

Last Friday Governor Tom Wolf announced his over $21 million dollar plan to provide universal free school breakfast for 1.7 million students across the commonwealth this school year. Bennet said, the USDA is thrilled about this but families will still need to submit applications for school lunch.

Bennet said, application can be submitted at anytime throughout the school year. To apply for free and reduced school meals reach out to your local school district for next steps.

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