The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service gave almost $1 million to Virginia's Department of Education.

Seven other states also received similar grants, according to a May 17 USDA press release.

“School meals are a proven approach to improving nutrition security," FNS administrator, Cindy Long, said in the release. "Research shows they are the most nutritious foods most children receive in the day."

Medical officials concurred with this assessment.

"Nutritious school meals help America's children learn, grow, and stay healthy," Dr. Patty Bennet, Mid-Atlantic Regional administrator, said in the release. "School nutrition professionals in Virginia have made incredible strides in strengthening the school meals programs over the past 10 years and USDA is committed to supporting them in this effort."

Dr. Sandra Curwood, Virginia Department of Education director of school nutrition programs, shared how excited the department is to receive the grants.

“(The) Virginia Department of Education is pleased to use these grant funds to provide a comprehensive school meal training program for approximately 150 school nutrition directors and over 2,000 frontline cafeteria managers, as well as sub-grants for our school food authorities across the commonwealth," she said.

Officials also praised the efforts of the Biden administration in this area.

“USDA and the Biden-Harris administration are committed to prioritizing nutrition security – consistent access to healthy, affordable foods and beverages that promote good health,” Long said. “While it's not easy to alter eating habits and schools face hurdles to improving nutrition, the future payoffs of even incremental changes are extraordinary, and schools have shown that it is possible when we work together.”