Local schools get funding for nutrition, agriculture education

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WKBN) — A Pennsylvania Farm Bill is getting money to local schools for nutrition and agriculture education.

Schools and agencies in Mercer and Lawrence counties will share in the $462,607 statewide grant aimed at improving access to healthy, local food and hands-on agriculture education.

The Laurel School District will get $7,500 to buy a freezer to store local fresh beef.

Lawrence County Social Services will receive $15,000 to support the upkeep of the center’s “grow zones” and defray costs of early learning field trips to the center where kids explore gardening and participate in Harvest of the Month activities.

In Mercer County, the West Middlesex Area School District is getting $15,000 for the Stronger Communities, Deeper Roots program to install aquaponic systems in science classrooms.

Grants were awarded in varying dollar amounts, topping out at $15,000 per individual grant. The money was made available through the PA Farm Bill Farm-to-School grants with the goal of connecting local farmers and schools to supply fresh, in-season products to be served by cafeterias, expanding market opportunities for farmers.

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