U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that approximately $5.2 million in new grants to support the serving of healthy food in schools, provision of nutrition education, and creation of an environment focused on healthy eating and physical activity has been awarded to Guam and 18 states.
Out of the $5.2 million grant, Guam will be receiving around $300,000. Guam is the only territory listed as a recipient of the USDA grant fund.
Funding will be made available for the period from Sept. 30, 2012 through Sept. 30, 2014 to assist state agencies in achieving the Team Nutrition goals.
"When we serve our children healthy school meals, we're making a critical investment in their academic performance, their physical health, and their future," Merrigan stated in a USDA news release.
She added the announcement reflects “USDA’s ongoing commitment to provide states with the tools they need to build a healthy school environment.”
Providing nutrition education resources, extending training and technical assistance to food service professionals, and building community support, Merrigan said, helps ensure every child in America has a chance to succeed.
“The Team Nutrition training grants, which is funded in support of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, will assist schools in meeting the new school meal requirements, encourage Healthier U.S. School Challenge participation, support students' nutritious choices by structuring the cafeteria environment in a way that encourages the selection of healthy foods, and promote healthier environments to align with the Local Wellness Policy requirements established in the Act,” Merrigan said.
