As millions of children head back to the classroom, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is rolling out a new initiative aimed at getting local produce onto school lunch lines. The program, called "Harvest to Hallways," is designed to shorten the distance between farm and lunch plate, according to officials.
The announcement was made at the USDA in Washington, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. present. Rollins detailed the funding behind the effort, which includes $25 million in farm-to-school grants and $30 million for lunch improvement research. The initiative also emphasizes reducing ultra-processed options and refined sugars in school meals.
In addition to those investments, Rollins announced $70 million to upgrade school cafeteria infrastructure, including cold storage, stoves, and other equipment. "The additional $70 million that we are announcing today to upgrade school cafeterias cold storage stoves and other equipment. $70 million for millions of children," she said.
Kennedy, who has championed healthy eating, spoke about the importance of school meals for many children. "For millions of kids, school breakfast and lunch, the most important meals they eat each day. And for many of them are the only meals," he said.
Both Live 5 News WCSC and WIS10 reported the announcement, describing the school lunch changes as a "makeover" and highlighting the program's mission to bring fresher options to students across the country.