(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced the nationwide extension of waivers that allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals this summer when schools are out of session.

These flexibilities are now available through Sept. 30, 2021. USDA is extending the waivers to provide local program operators with clarity and certainty for the summer months ahead, when many children cannot access the school meals they depend on during the academic year. The waivers were previously extended only through June 30, 2021.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “We will do everything we can to make sure children get access to healthy.”

The waivers extended Tuesday allow for safe meal distribution sites that serve all children for free, regardless of income. The waivers also allow meals served through the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option – collectively known as “summer meal programs” – to be made available in all areas at no cost.