The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of $25 million in grants to help schools operating a National School Lunch Program replace outdated equipment with new, energy efficient appliances including refrigerators, ovens, and other food service related equipment to help improve the quality of meals. Close to $500,000 of funding is available to Louisiana schools. Click here for more information.  Photo from: iparenting

America’s children are facing a health crisis. Few meet recommended dietary guidelines and many eat poorly and don’t exercise at all. In the last 20 years, the percentage of overweight children has tripled, resulting in earlier onset and increased prevalence of disease. In response, the USDA has established nutrition standards for its school meals programs and is now working to help increase physical activity and nutrition education in schools. Find out how your child’s school can get involved in the USDA’s Team Nutrition project. Graphic logo from: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

It’s important to understand where your food comes from. Food consumed in the U.S. now travels an average of 1,500 miles before ending up on our plates. Individual health and local economies are better supported when we buy from local growers and producers whenever possible. Find out what the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is doing to promote the local food movement and click here to locate a farmer’s market in your part of Louisiana or elsewhere. Photo: Original work by Grant Wood, 1930.