Earlier this week, the USDA announced new investments to provide healthy school meals to students.  The Department announced several actions to expand support and access to the school meal program including $50 million in grants to increase collaboration between schools, food producers and suppliers.

 

"Continuing to make school meals healthier and available to more students are some of the best ways we can help our children thrive early in life," noted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

 

Grants were awarded to Boise State University, the Chef Ann Foundation, Full Plates Full Potential and the Illinois Public Health Initiative.  USDA said the grants will foster innovation in the school food marketplace to get a wider variety of healthy, appealing foods into the marketplace and onto kids' lunch trays. Schools and other eligible organizations can apply for the challenge sub-grants later this year and are encouraged to check the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives website for updates.

 

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