James A. Garfield Local Schools is thrilled to announce the receipt of the USDA Healthy Meals Incentives Grant. This highly competitive federal grant has been awarded to JAG in the amount of $115,641 and will be used to purchase new equipment for the kitchen at the Middle/High School, significantly enhancing our food preparation and serving efficiency.
The goals of this grant are ambitious and focused on improving the health and wellness of our students. Key objectives include increasing the availability of healthy meal options, particularly through the expansion of locally grown and scratch-made food offerings. By incorporating more fresh, local ingredients into our meals, we aim to provide students with nutritious choices that support their overall well-being.
One of the primary goals of the grant is to boost participation in our breakfast and lunch programs. To support this, the commons area at the high school will undergo a remodel this summer. The renovation will enhance safety with additional areas of egress and revamped serving lines, including a double-sided salad bar that will serve students salad daily and provide options for taco, pasta, potato and other ‘bars’ students have been asking for. The updated seating will transform the space into a versatile area that can be used by the teachers, clubs, and outside organizations for banquets and awards ceremonies.
This grant is yet another example of JAG being outstanding stewards of tax dollars. By securing grant funding, we can provide extensive services to our students and community without additional costs to taxpayers. The USDA Healthy Meals Incentives Grant will enable us to make significant improvements that benefit our students’ health and enrich our community’s resources.
We are excited about the positive impact this grant will have on our school meals program and the overall school environment. Thank you to everyone involved in securing this funding, and we look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to James A. Garfield Local Schools.