USDA school lunch programs are some of the largest U.S. government school grants.
Public schools teach the majority of America's children. The U.S. government helps support these public services with grant programs to pay for school lunches, fresher school food and to upgrade Internet services at schools and libraries. The U.S. government also provides school grants financed by public timber sales to the communities where public forestlands are harvested.
National School Lunch Program Grants
One of the larger U.S. government grants for schools is offered by the Department of Agriculture. The National School Lunch Program has provided grants to local school districts since 1946. This program is intended to help reduce the costs to students of purchasing a school lunch, especially for low-income populations. Many students qualify for further assistance from this grant program, including free lunches and breakfasts, if they meet certain income limits. Both public and nonprofit private schools are eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grants
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is similar to the National School Lunch Program, and is also administered by the Department of Agriculture. Qualifying elementary schools can receive funding to help provide healthier snack and lunch options to their students. The goal of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is to expand the access of children in low-income families to fresh produce outside of normal school lunch programs. To be eligible for this opportunity, the school must serve a low-income neighborhood and elementary students. Schools are selected by state agencies to participate.
Forest Service School Grants
Another major source of U.S. Government grant funding for schools comes from the United States Forest Service. The Forest Service Schools Grant to States helps improve and fund the operations of schools in rural communities where the Forest Service operates. The goal of this program is to return some of the federal benefit from the sale of publicly owned timber to local communities where harvesting takes place. The money provided to states under this grant goes directly to counties and school districts, and funds various projects including school, road and environmental improvements.
Community Connect Grant Program
In recent years, the U.S. Government has decided to provide grants to schools to help improve their Internet and technology infrastructure. The Community Connect Grant Program is an opportunity from the USDA that finances upgrades to critical community facilities like schools and libraries. This program's focus is on connecting these public services with broadband Internet infrastructure, with the intention of increasing broadband Internet access across the rural United States. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and public agencies, private businesses or nonprofits who operate Internet infrastructure are eligible to apply.
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