Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023
March 27, 2023
Bill to Extend Additional 10 Cent Reimbursement
Earlier this month, a bill was introduced to the House of Representatives to extend the additional 10 cent reimbursement in the CACFP through school year 2023-2024. If this bill is passed, the additional 10 cent reimbursement would be implemented through June 30, 2024.
Why it Matters
As COVID-19 waivers expire and flexibilities end, many CACFP providers are concerned about their ability to remain on the program. One flexibility that is set to expire is that which allowed all CACFP providers to be reimbursed at the highest rate. Therefore, many providers already expect to see their reimbursements decrease when the tiering system is reimplemented in June.
Extending the additional 10 cent reimbursement will help all providers, but especially those who will return to Tier II reimbursement rates and may help mitigate a significant loss of providers when the tiering system is reimplemented.
Amending the Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022 (KKFA)
The KKFA (S.2089) allowed for a “temporary additional reimbursement for 2022-2023 school year... in the amount of 10 cents,” for each meal and supplement served under the CACFP. In the KKFA, the 10-cent reimbursement rate was only available for the 2022-2023 school year.
In early March, Representatives Abigail Spanberger and Brian Fitzpatrick cosponsored the Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023 (H.R.1424), to extend the additional 10 cent reimbursement outlined in the KKFA through school year 2023-2024. If the bill is passed, CACFP operators will continue to receive an additional 10 cents for each meal and snack served through the end of school year 2023-2024.