Schools eligible for foodservice equipment grants

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced up to $30 million in foodservice equipment grants to schools where 50 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Funds are allocated for equipment that supports serving healthier meals with more fruits and vegetables, improving food safety and expanding access. NAFEM members interested in helping schools apply should know that applications close June 30.

To further support the equipment needs of schools, NAFEM members Winston Industries, Louisville, Ky., ITW Food Equipment Group, Baltimore, Md., and a collection of eight other companies, are offering $180,000 in equipment grants to schools through the School Nutrition Association (SNA). According to Mike Burke, K-12 ambassador, ITW Food Equipment Group, “The SNA grants are open to all schools, with no requirement for the percentage of free and reduced-meals they serve. We wanted to help as many schools as possible, so we created three grants, each worth up to $60,000 of equipment.”