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Farm News: School Lunch Program Gets HelpcommentsPosted: 01.18.2010
Governor Jim Doyle announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided over $331,000 in grants to help Wisconsin schools operating a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) replace outdated food service equipment with new, energy efficient appliances. The new funding is a one-time fiscal year 2010 appropriation to state educational agencies.
“These grants will help ensure safe and nutritious food options for the students of Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “I want to thank Secretary Vilsack for making well-balanced meals and healthy snacks for our children a top priority.”
Governor Doyle believes that a good, healthy lunch is essential for kids to grow and learn. Last June, the Governor announced that $1.3 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds would be made available for Wisconsin schools and residential child care institutions to purchase equipment to improve food service operations. As part of his Healthy Kids initiatives, the Governor has also expanded the school breakfast program.
USDA's Food and Nutrition Service will award a total of $25 million in grants nationwide to school food authorities that participate in the NSLP and that did not receive a Recovery Act grant for NSLP equipment assistance in fiscal year 2009. Additionally, priority will be given to schools where 50 percent or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced price meals under the NSLP.
The National School Lunch Program operates in more than 101,000 public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions nationwide. It provides school children of all economic backgrounds with a well-balanced, healthy meal designed to meet American Dietary Guidelines.
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