USDA Secretary Vilsack Meets with SNA and other Associations on Universal School Meals
2021-09-03

On September 2, 2021, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and other representatives from USDA met via Zoom with SNA and other allied organizations to discuss the importance of universal feeding, or ” Healthy School Meals for All.”

Those attending in addition to SNA, included: the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), the National Education Association (NEA), the Urban School Food Alliance (USFA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF).

Representatives from each organization took turns sharing their thoughts on the importance of Healthy School Meals for All and the numerous benefits associated with ensuring all students receive a healthy, nutritious meal free of charge.

SNA CEO Patricia Montague thanked Secretary Vilsack for the Department’s efforts to support and continue the current COVID waivers. Montague took the opportunity also to share thoughts and member testimony on the recent supply chain disruptions impacting the school nutrition segment. Vilsack acknowledged that there are supply chain disruptions and shared that the Department is committed to doing everything to assist the Association.