By Blake Jackson
Schools across Wisconsin can look forward to tastier and more nutritious meals thanks to a recent grant from the USDA. The grant is part of a larger initiative aimed at improving school food systems nationwide.
The grant, totaling $10 million, is divided between two partners: Full Plates Full Potential and the Illinois Public Health Institute. These organizations will award sub-grants to schools and related organizations to help them overcome challenges in incorporating local and healthy foods into their menus.
“USDA is committed to strengthening the nutritional quality of school meals and it starts with strengthening the K-12 school food marketplace, which serves as an important source of nutrition for many children,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These grants will allow schools to purchase a wider variety of healthy, appealing products from local and regional producers, while building a more resilient and equitable food system.”
Wisconsin schools specifically stand to benefit from the $2.7 million awarded to the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub's Spark and Innovation Collaborative Awards. This program focuses on the Lake Michigan region, which includes Wisconsin.
These grants will be used to fund projects that strengthen the K-12 food system in the state. This may involve building partnerships between schools, local farmers, and food distributors. It could also involve developing innovative new products specifically for school meals.
The ultimate goal is to create a more resilient and equitable food system that provides students with access to fresh, healthy, and appealing meals. This aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensuring schools have the tools they need to nourish their students.
This grant announcement is part of a larger effort by the USDA to improve school meals. They are committed to not only increasing access to healthy options but also supporting local farmers and producers.
This focus on local foods aligns with the goals of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This initiative aims to enhance food security and improve access to healthy and affordable meals for all Americans.
Wisconsin schools, through this grant program, are well-positioned to play a role in achieving these national goals. By providing students with nutritious local meals, they can help build a healthier future for their communities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy