Nutrition in schools is helped by grants.
Schools depend on food and nutrition grants to feed their students. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2009, over 16.3 million students received free lunches in the United States, and all funding for the free lunch program comes from the government. Though the federal and state governments are the main source of food grants for schools, there are a few other organizations that have created grant programs to provide for better nutritional habits in schools.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service
The USDA programs set out to provide healthy meals.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service provides grants for schools and state education agencies annually. Programs include Schools/Child Nutrition Commodity Programs, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and Team Nutrition. Most of the funding is granted to ensure children of all income levels are able to enjoy healthy meals and nutrition education.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-305-2062
usda.gov
Hidden Valley Ranch School Grant Program
Hidden Valley Ranch created the Love Your Veggies program.
Hidden Valley Ranch, in partnership with the School Nutrition Foundation, annually awards 10 grants of $10,000 each to elementary schools for fresh produce, kitchen equipment and nutrition training. Schools that apply must have a wellness policy in place to ensure nutrition is a top priority. Each school that receives a grant must use a portion for food safety training.
Hidden Valley Ranch Love Your Veggies program
LoveYourVeggies.com
The Allen Foundation Nutrition Grants
The Allen Foundation awards grants to projects that promote better nutritional habits through education, training and research. Grants are awarded to schools, universities and nonprofit organizations.
Allen Foundation Inc.
P.O. Box 1606
Midland, Michigan 48641-1606
allenfoundation.org
Washington Grown Fruits and Vegetables Grant Program
The Washington Grown Fruits and Vegetables Grant Program is awarded to schools who have over 50 percent of their students eligible for free or reduced lunches. The Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program is funded by the Washington legislature for schools within the state. For information, contact the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360-725-0410.
American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Nebraska
Milk can be offered as a healthier vending option.
The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Nebraska provide $1,500 Milk Vending Grants to schools in Nebraska so schools can offer milk as a vending option to their students. These grants are open only to high schools.
American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Nebraska
8205 F Street
Omaha, NE 68127-1779
nebmilk.org
Tags: Hidden Valley, Hidden Valley Ranch, Valley Ranch, Allen Foundation, American Dairy