Action for Healthy Kids awarded $30 million to school districts across the U.S. to boost school nutrition, according to a press release.

"Students in every community deserve access to healthy and nutritious meals," USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said. "Today’s announcement demonstrates the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to creating healthier, brighter futures for our children. With these funds, small and rural school districts will be able to modernize their operations and provide more nutritious meals, helping students succeed in the classroom and beyond."

The subgrants will go toward 264 school districts across 44 states and the District of Columbia. The effort aims to improve school meal quality and modernize operations. Each district will receive up to $150,000 to enhance nutritional standards and facilities.

“Offering healthier school meals is key to helping our nation’s kids get the nutrients they need today and for their long-term development," Action for Healthy Kids CEO Rob Bisceglie said. "Through this historic investment in school nutrition, we will help school districts across the country overcome challenges and develop solutions to provide nutritious foods for the children they serve.”

Furthermore, the partnership includes the School Food System Transformation Challenge Grants, fostering collaboration between schools, food producers and partners to innovate the school meals market. Applications for these Challenge Grants are expected to open in late 2023 or early 2024.

“When we strengthen school meal quality, we strengthen child health,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Stacy Dean said.