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information: gadoe.org/coronavirus
MEDIA
CONTACT: Meghan
Frick, GaDOE Communications Office, 404-416-2286, mfrick@doe.k12.ga.us
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March 13,
2020 – Late last night,
the Georgia Department of Education received word from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) that two waivers have been approved to extend alternate meal
service flexibility in the case of extended closures due to COVID-19.
This will
allow schools to serve students’ meals through USDA-approved meal service
options, at state-approved sites within the community. This is similar to the
way schools and districts offer student meals during the summer months.
District
superintendents and school nutrition directors were notified last night and
GaDOE School Nutrition staff held a call with school nutrition directors this
morning to answer questions about the process. Local communities could begin
seeing alternate meal service options as soon as the beginning of next week.
“We know food
insecurity for students who rely on school meals is a major concern during
school closures,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We
are going to make sure there are options available for students as long as
they’re needed, and state and district school nutrition staff are working
round-the-clock to get this up and running for Georgia’s kids.”
“We
appreciate the work our local school nutrition directors and their staff are
doing to provide these meal options to Georgia students,” GaDOE School
Nutrition Director Dr. Linette Dodson said. “Please contact your local
district for information about meal availability in your area.”
