Stimulus pays for lunch equipment

LANSING, Mich. - About 160 Michigan public schools will share $2.5 million in federal stimulus money to purchase school lunch equipment, according to the Associated Press and a news release from the state.

The money is intended to help schools replace worn equipment or expand or upgrade food services, the release said. The new equipment must improve the quality or safety of food, or improve energy efficiency or student participation in meal programs, according to the release. Priority was given to schools where at least 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

The stimulus program provided $100 million nationwide for school lunch programs.

In Michigan, Benton Harbor High School received the largest grant, at $52,000, AP reported in an article published in Crain's Detroit Business. Other schools, including charter public schools, received funding varying from $5,000 to $25,000. A list of all grants awarded in Michigan is posted at the Michigan Recovery & Reinvestment Plan Web site.

SOURCES:
Crain's Detroit Business, "Michigan schools get $2.5 million for school lunch equipment," July 23, 2009

Michigan Recovery & Reinvestment Plan, "167 Michigan Schools Awarded $2.5 Million for School Lunch Equipment," July 23, 2009

FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "Stimulus spending decisions begin," July 10, 2009