Wisconsin schools surpass 1 million meals served to students during public health emergency

 
Since March 18, 2020, 447 school food authorities and sponsors in Wisconsin have provided meals through the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option and the Summer Food Service Program, which allow meals to be served free of charge to children 18-years old and younger living in low-income areas.
 
“Making sure students have consistent access to nutritious meals is essential,” State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor said. “Ensuring our children have healthy food to eat is a result of school officials working together with their local communities, who have found unique strategies to continue providing meals to those who need them during the public health emergency.”
 
For those unable to travel to meal pickup locations, the USDA grant-funded program, Emergency Meals-to-You, allows eligible local education authorities in rural areas to work with households to deliver meals directly to homes through the mail. Additionally, the USDA has launched an interactive map to help families locate sites where meals are being served when schools are closed. For the most up-to-date information on meal pick up or delivery, families should call or check their school district’s webpage. The USDA National Hunger Hotline also remains a helpful resource for families seeking food assistance. The hotline can be reached at 1-866-3-HUNGRY Monday through Friday (from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST).
 
The DPI has leveraged its many partnerships across the state to reach students and families in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department has received 21 nationwide waivers to date for its nutrition programs. In March, when public schools informed the department they were nearing storage capacity to continue taking monthly food orders, USDA Foods products were rerouted from state warehouses to county food pantries throughout Wisconsin. Through the DPI’s partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to administer The Emergency Food Assistance Program, over 200,000 pounds of food have been distributed to families in need. Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced it would provide more than $140 million in food benefits to families for March, April, May, and a portion of June. The appropriation is part of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer, a new national program providing assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. The funds offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school.
 
If you would like to be a community partner and help keep Wisconsin families fed, the DPI is seeking additional applicants to become sponsors for the Summer Food Service Program. Applications will be accepted through June 15, 2020. For more information on how to apply, visit the Summer Food Service Program’s webpage. For more information on the DPI’s efforts to provide meals through the Wisconsin Child Nutrition Programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the department’s webpage.

Source: WRJC.com



  • Marti, Robert R. Age 72 of Arkdale
    by WRJC WebMaster on June 26, 2026 at 4:59 PM

    Robert R. Marti, age 72, of Arkdale, Wisconsin passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Memorial services will be 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1,2026 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Interment will be at the Dellwood Cemetery […]

  • Holbek, Mark Brian Age 60 of Adams
    by WRJC WebMaster on June 26, 2026 at 4:56 PM

    Mark Brian Holbek, age 60, of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on June 14, 2026.   Born on January 17, 1966, Mark grew up in Antioch, Illinois. He spent more than 25 years working as a […]

  • Thurk, Beth J. Age 81 of Arkdale
    by WRJC WebMaster on June 26, 2026 at 4:50 PM

    Beth J. Thurk, age 81, of Arkdale, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Riverwood Memory Care in Wisconsin Dells. Beth’s story began on July 2, 1944, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where she was born to John O. and Mavis […]

  • Kastner, Paul William Age 83 of Adams
    by WRJC WebMaster on June 26, 2026 at 4:42 PM

    Paul William Kaster passed away on June 9th, 2026, at Rosebrook Assisted Living in Adams, Wisconsin. His son Doug at his side. Paul was born on August 30 th , 1942, to the parents of Martin and Elizabeth Kaster. He had 2 brothers, Joe and Tony and a […]

  • Koehler, Dennis A. Age 87 of Adams
    by WRJC WebMaster on June 26, 2026 at 4:40 PM

    Dennis A. Koehler, age 87, of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 19, 2026. Honoring his wishes to remain at home, Dennis was surrounded by the care and love of his family. His daughter, Diann, served as his primary […]

  • Wisconsin AM News Summary
    by rneupert@learfield.com on June 26, 2026 at 12:05 PM

    Priest charged with child sex crimes relieved of duties (MADISON) A Madison priest charged with child sex crimes is relieved of his priestly duties. Madison Diocese Bishop Donald Hying released a letter Thursday saying Andrew Showers’ […]

  • Wisconsin AM Sports
    by bscott@wrn.com on June 26, 2026 at 11:05 AM

    The U.S. lost for the first time in World Cup play, falling to Turkey 3-2.  —  The Brewers open a 3-game weekend series against the rival Cubs at Am Fam Field tonight.  The Cubs are coming off a 4-game sweep over the Mets, while […]

  • Wisconsin PM News Summary
    by rneupert@learfield.com on June 25, 2026 at 7:05 PM

    Man arrested for fatal OWI crash in Fond Du Lac County (OAKFIELD) A Fond Du Lac County man is charged in a fatal drunk driving crash. 21-year-old Dakota Krueger is charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and two counts of OWI causing […]

  • WRN Daily: Milwaukee Aldermen propose public power utility to replace We Energies
    by bhague@wrn.com on June 25, 2026 at 12:05 PM

    Milwaukee elected officials held a committee hearing on Wednesday to discuss the concept of a public power utility to replace We Energies. The working people of this city are suffering right now,” said socialist Alderman Alex Brower. […]

WISCONSINREPORT.COM (WiscReport.com) is not affiliated with Wisconsin Government or any state agency, department, entity, or other website or printed publication with Wisconsin in it’s name. Established in 2002, we operate completely independent from political parties and other forms of outside influence. Our Mission is to report the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. We are WiscReport on Twitter and Facebook. A Morbizco Internet Media online publication. – WisconsinReport.com.

Learn More about WisconsinReport.com.

Click or Tap to Go to McStreamy News, Info and Entertainment