USDA to ban online transaction fees on school lunch payments for low-income families
USDA to ban online transaction fees on school lunch payments for low-income families
The “junk” charges for electronic deposits into school meal accounts will be prohibited starting in the 2027-2028 academic year for those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches.
Summary
A new USDA rule will prohibit schools from charging transaction fees to low-income families depositing funds in student lunch accounts, effective in the 2027-2028 school year.
This change benefits students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, sparing families extra costs when adding money to accounts.
Advocates and lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, support the ban, calling it a victory against “greedy” fees.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack praised the move, stating that USDA aims to eliminate fees for all families regardless of income level.
Hang on, does this say "schools charge transaction fees when you pay for lunch online"??? As in, a parent puts $20 on their child's tab for lunch and the school taxes it so the kid only gets $18? That's wild.
Correct!
Thankfully my kids school will also just load it up from cash, so we drop a $20 in when needed. I make lunch every day, but if she is still hungry or wants a milk its there, and every Friday we let her get a dessert.
There are also fees to pay online for school trips, the book store, etc.
I cannot believe that's even a thing. It's bad enough they take my tax dollars and don't feed the kids with it, but an online charge on top?! Bullshit
One of those things where it was completely unacceptable to ever exist.
Yet again, grateful to live in California, where school breakfast and lunches are free to all students. Hands down, best use of my taxes (public libraries are a close #2).
Go further and make healthy food free.