From staff reports
Three area school districts were among 59 statewide that received grants for the purchase of food service equipment.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, which awarded more than $875,000 in grants statewide, gave the Franklin Area School District $9,466 for a dishwasher booster heater at Franklin Area High School, according to a PDE news release.
The Redbank Valley School District received two grants of $4,390 each for heating holding cabinets at Redbank Valley High School and Redbank Valley Intermediate School, the release said.
“Research has shown that when students have access to nutritious meals, their focus, energy and overall performance in school increases,” said Noe Ortega, acting secretary of education.
“The grants awarded by the department will provide schools with equipment and other resources needed to enhance and improve their ability to provide students with the essential meals they need to learn and grow.”
Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the release said. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program.