HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has announced the allocation of over $332,000 in Food Service Equipment grants to 12 local education agencies (LEAs) across the state. These funds aim to support the purchase of critical cafeteria equipment, enhancing the ability of schools to meet the nutritional needs of their students.
The grants are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen school food service programs, ensuring that students receive the nutrition they need to focus and succeed in the classroom. Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating, “Food Service Equipment grants enable schools to have high-functioning equipment and well-equipped cafeterias so they can better serve students in meeting their health and nutritional needs. Students can’t learn when they’re hungry, and these grants help schools to make sure their cafeterias are serving students to the best of their abilities, fueling both students’ minds and bodies.”
Schools Receiving Grant Funds
The funding will enable schools to purchase modern food service equipment, ranging from tilt skillets to walk-in freezers, with equipment tailored to the individual needs of each institution. A breakdown of the awarded grants and their purposes is as follows:
Beaver County
- Aliquippa School District, Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School: $22,252 for an electric tilt skillet.
Bradford County
- Northeast Bradford Elementary School: $13,864 for a 36-inch HD range.
- Northeast Bradford Junior/Senior High School: $10,956 to purchase an electric convection oven.
Fulton County
- Southern Fulton Elementary School: $41,132 for a dishwasher conveyor.
Luzerne County
- Cheder Menachem of Wilkes Barre: $26,303 for a tilting skillet.
Mercer County
- George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania: $40,906 for a dishwasher.
Philadelphia County
- Kennedy C Crossan School: $14,060 for a walk-in cooler.
- William H Loesche Elementary School: $16,170 for a walk-in freezer.
Schuylkill County
- Schuylkill IU 29, Center for Exceptional Children: $8,088 for a pass-through heated cabinet.
- Schuylkill Technology Centers, Schuylkill County AVTS South: $62,484 for a walk-in cooler/freezer.
Washington County
- Avella Area Junior/Senior High School: $42,887 for a combination oven.
Westmoreland County
- Belle Vernon Area Middle School: $33,803 for a dual pressure steamer.
Federal Funding and Impact
The grants are made possible through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Targeted at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, the initiative prioritizes the replacement or upgrading of essential cafeteria equipment, such as freezers, stoves, and dishwashers. These investments ensure that schools can operate efficiently while adhering to federal nutritional standards.
By modernizing equipment, the initiative not only supports effective food preparation but also enhances the overall dining experience for students, helping to address hunger and promote academic success.
PDE’s commitment to fostering healthier and more functional school environments is evident through its ongoing support of programs that prioritize student well-being. These recent grants underline an essential investment in the future of Pennsylvania’s students and communities.
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