USDA TO INCREASE SCHOOL REIMBURSEMENTS FOR CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - FEBRUARY 7, 2023

USDA TO INCREASE SCHOOL REIMBURSEMENTS FOR CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

(Washington, DC). The USDA announced today that effective July 1, 2023, that their Food and Nutrition Service (FSN) will be increasing the reimbursement rates that the child nutrition program operators on Guam receive for meals served from 17% to 30% above the contiguous United States (CONUS) rates. This is a similar decision made in 2022 with other jurisdictions, considering the rise of food costs. This new decision will also benefit Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. With the rising costs of goods, operators face numerous challenges in ensuring the objectives of the USDA FSN are accomplished. With an increase in the reimbursement rates, those preparing the meals would have greater flexibility in including additional items or improving the meal plan for the children.

“I would like to thank the USDA for making this decision, as it is critical to ensure that our children are fed an adequate, healthy, and nutritious meal(s). We are facing a serious inflation problem with rising costs in almost everything, that we also must take into consideration the business model of operators and their survival. This will result in a win-win situation for all stakeholders, especially our children’, stated Delegate Moylan. “Our office will continue to dialogue with the USDA to seek additional opportunities for our families”, added Delegate Moylan.

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