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Schools, lawmakers seek to extend free lunch program

Xavier Mendoza | WCMU

COVID relief that provides school lunch for free is set to expire June 30th.

The program also waives nutrition requirements so lunchrooms can be flexible amid supply shortages.

Diane Golzynski is the State Department of Education's Nutrition Director.

She says free lunches have really helped families. And she says even though COVID restrictions are being lifted, her industry is still struggling.

"The supply chain and the labor market haven't yet fully recovered. And until they do, normal operations are just not possible within our school food service."

Bills have been introduced in Congress that would extend free meals through at least the next school year.

Golzynski hopes the legislation passes so Michigan's lunch rooms can focus on feeding kids.