$100K Grant Goes to Help Fund Healthier School Lunches in NY

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Having fresh foods is vital for many schools across the country, especially for Latino kids who are more likely to be at risk for diet-related diseases like diabetes.

Three school districts, Binghamton, Cortland, and Marathon are receiving a federal grant of $100,000 dollars to help students get more local fresh foods on their plates.

Since 2012, the districts have been working to connect local schools with local farmers and build relationships to keep local produce in local schools.

Working to continue the efforts and expand farm-to-school programs, the funds will help BOCES staff reach out to farmers and get more schools on board with buying local produce. Funds had been awarded in the past to BOCES and helped them train school staff in various activities like buying equipment, and educating students on healthy eating and food procurement.

In a local article, the special projects coordinator for food services, Ray Denniston explained that they wanted to continue to expand programs and help family farms as well as keep kids interested in farming and knowing where their food comes from.

Research has shown that students in Latino-majority schools that have stricter food and drink nutrition standards drink more water and consume lower amounts of calories, offering a variety of healthy food and drink options may help their overall health.

To learn more about food at school and Latino kids, click here.

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