Harmony Public Schools will be offering free meals to all of its students during the 2021-22 school year, the charter system announced July 28.
The meals will be available at no cost for all students with zero requirements for qualification. The announcement from Harmony comes three months after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced additional flexibilities for the upcoming school year.
“USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an April press release about the extension. “States and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for safe reopening in the fall. USDA answered the call to help America’s schools and child care institutions serve high-quality meals while being responsive to their local needs as children safely return to their regular routines. This action also increases the reimbursement rate to school meal operators so they can serve healthy foods to our kids. It’s a win-win for kids, parents and schools.”
Harmony Public Schools has 58 campuses in 23 Texas cities. The public charter system will fully reopen all of its campuses the week of Aug. 16