WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA is teaming up with Health and Human Services to get more American farm foods into school cafeterias, potentially creating more local sales opportunities for farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the “Harvest to Hallways” program, which will provide millions of dollars to help schools prepare healthier foods.
USDA will spend $50 million on cafeteria equipment, including cold storage, stoves and food safety improvements. Another $30 million will support research into healthier school meals.
Rollins said some of the funding will also be used to purchase food directly from farmers and ranchers in their local communities.
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