The Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) announced a pilot grant program called "Nutritional Alaskan Foods in Schools." The $3-million program is designed to encourage Alaska school districts to purchase and distribute Alaska Grown foods to their students.
"The program will help Alaska students benefit by being served locally harvested foods high in nutritional value and quality in school meals." Commissioner Susan Bell of DCCED said. "It (will) help Alaska build a strong, local and sustainable healthy food system and increase economic development by creating jobs and diversifying the economy."
The DCCED and its Division of Regional Affairs plan to manage the allowance and distribute the funds to school districts. Each of Alaska's 54 districts are eligible for reimbursements for the purchase of "produce, seafood, or aquatic protein" harvested in Alaska. DCCED's press release explains:
For more information about the pilot grant program, including a full set of grant documents and links to Alaska Grown vendors visit DCCED's website here.