Bernstine Announces Food Equipment Grants for Area Schools

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced state grants were awarded to schools in the 10th Legislative District that will help schools upgrade their facilities to continue to provide critical food services to students.

The grants were made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The department awarded more than $946,000 in competitive grants to 44 elementary, middle and high schools in 23 counties to purchase new food service equipment for cafeterias.

Schools receiving funding include:

• Big Beaver Elementary School – $22,174 to be used for a convection steamer and gas oven.
• Central Elementary School – $22,174 for a convection steamer and gas oven.
• Mohawk Area Junior Senior High School – $3,933 for a heated holding cabinet.

PA State Representative Aaron Berstine

“Studies have shown that outdated and poorly equipped food service facilities hindered staff efforts to prepare and efficiently serve healthy and appetizing meals,” said Bernstine. “These grants will allow schools to respond to the growing need to provide meals to our kids. We must provide children with nutritious meals to help them learn and grow.”

Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools use the grants to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers.

For more information about this legislation, or any other state-related topic, contact Bernstine’s district office in Ellwood City at 724-752-2120. Information can also be found online at RepBernstine.com.