In the weeks since stay-at-home orders meant to curb the coronavirus outbreak took effect across the United States, school districts serving the country’s most vulnerable children faced a particular challenge: feeding their students.
About 30 million children in the U.S. from low-income families receive free or reduced-cost meals in school; for many it may be their only certain meal of the day. As schools closed during the pandemic, districts raced not only to figure out how to teach from afar, but also how to continue providing these critical meals…

Join the Conversation
The latest news and headlines from Urban School Food Alliance
NPR: As millions of kids lose SNAP food benefits, free school meals are also at risk
Sep 4, 2026
When Republican lawmakers secured cuts to the United States' largest food assistance program last year, Paige...
USFA Appoints First-Ever Medical Advisor and Launches “School Lunch is Healthcare” Initiative
Aug 12, 2026
Physician-led effort positions school meals as preventive healthcare, benefiting 3.8 million students and sparking nationwide impact.
Jeremy West, MS, SNS Named Next Executive Director of the Urban School Food Alliance
Jul 22, 2026
Jeremy West Named Next Executive Director of the Urban School Food Alliance – Longtime Chief of Finance & Operations to Succeed Dr. Katie Wilson in January 2027
Palm Beach County School District is in the final four for the J.T.M.’s Crave Competition!
Jun 24, 2026
One of our member districts, The School District of Palm Beach County is in the TOP 4 finalists of the J.T.M....