On Sept. 8, USDA issued a press release announcing that some of Oregon’s neediest children will be able to enjoy uninterrupted meal service in the midst of wildfires thanks to a demonstration project approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
FNS has approved the State of Oregon’s request to operate meal service through a Summer Food Service Program demonstration project that allows them to take meals home with them. FNS offers the option for summer meal sponsors to operate this program during the school year when there are unexpected school closures. In Oregon, due to current conditions, it is expected that a number of schools will not be in session. Under this demo, children will be able to take home individually sealed meals served through the program rather than having to eat them on site. FNS is allowing the State of Oregon to use this demo in specific impacted areas on days where there are air quality alerts from the National Weather Service. The approval is effective through October 16.
“USDA strives to ensure all Americans have access to food, especially in times of crisis,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “This Summer Food Service Program demo offers the agility to provide meals to children – away from sites – under extraordinary circumstances, including extreme weather situations.”
Visit the USDA Communications web page to read the full press release.