USDA Announces New Rule Regarding School Meals

The legislation prohibits schools from adding so-called "junk fees" on meal accounts of low-income students.

The USDA announced a new rule regarding school lunches.

The legislation prohibits schools from adding so-called “junk fees” on meal accounts of low-income students.

The rule covers families with an income under 185% of federal poverty guidelines which is an estimated $57,720 per year for a family of four.

The move will stop schools from charging families that qualify for the ‘School Breakfast Program’ and ‘National School Lunch Program’ fees for adding money to cashless options, among other charges.

It is set to go into effect in the 2027-2028 school year.