Summer food grants for students approved

Lawmakers gave final approval April 5 to a bill that will provide grants in support of a federal summer food program for children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

LB1090, introduced by Cortland Sen. Norm Wallman, will provide $140,000 for grants to be awarded by the state Department of Education in support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program.

Grant funds of up to $15,000 per service institution site may be used for nonrecurring expenses incurred to initiate or expand services under the federal program, including:
• acquiring equipment;
• training staff;
• purchasing vehicles to transport food to schools; and
• engaging in outreach efforts to publicize programs.

LB1090 passed on a 26-15 vote.