U.S. Department of Agriculture sends $1.5 billion for school lunches

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is sending struggling schools $1.5 billion to help with school lunches.

The struggle is being caused by shortages of certain foods as a result of continued supply chain disruptions--one of many challenges districts across the nation are facing as students return to classrooms.

The new federal funding for schools is part of a larger, t$3 billion investment that the Department of Agriculture is making. It will mostly help farmers and ranchers address the challenges posed by recent drought, animal disease and market disruptions.

Schools are also having trouble finding employees to serve the meals amid labor shortages.