Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Receives $17 Million in Federal Funding for School Meal Programs

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 -- 9:01 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently received more than $17 million in federal funding to aid public school districts and private schools facing challenges in purchasing and receiving food for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the funding, allocated to the DPI by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services, is intended to help school food authorities that are dealing with challenges created by national supply chain challenges.

"Students learn best when they have access to healthy meals," said State School Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly. "School food authorities are facing extraordinary challenges in responding to shortages and price fluctuations, and this funding will immediately help nutrition programs across Wisconsin serve the students who rely on these meals every day."

The funds will be allocated by providing a $5,000 base payment to all eligible public school districts and private schools, and a proportional funding amount based on each share of statewide student enrollment.

These funds must be used exclusively for the purchase of unprocessed or minimally processed domestic food products and must meet the requirements of the NSLP and the SBP.

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