By Blake Jackson
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $10 million grant program to improve school food infrastructure in the state. The program is designed to support projects that will improve meal preparation and distribution for Kindergarten through Grade 12 students.
The grant program will provide funding for capital projects to support the preparation and distribution of fresh meals for regional school infrastructure, such as aggregation, storage hubs, and/or commissary-type kitchens. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, local municipalities, school districts, and Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).
The grant program will also encourage workforce development by providing training to schools, communities, and students for culinary arts, food processing, safe food handling and storage, logistics, delivery, and more, based on community need.
The grant program is part of Governor Hochul's commitment to supporting local farmers and providing students with healthy, nutritious meals. Through the program, the state is hoping to increase the use of local New York food products in schools and strengthen the resilience of the state's food system.
The grant program is now accepting applications. Proposals are due on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 3:00 pm. For more information on the program, project eligibility, and how to apply, visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website.
Photo Credit: istock-arthon-meekodong
Categories: New York, General, Government & Policy