USDA Extends Universal Free School Meals for Kids Through Next Year The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Tuesday that school meal programs and childcare institutions across the country could continue serving free healthy meals in the fall. Several meal service flexibilities that enable social distancing have been extended through June 30, 2022. According to a USDA press release, this effort is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to reopening schools safely. The goal is to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the pandemic threatens the food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable population.