New Hanover, Pender County Schools receive grants to expand school breakfast

February 27, 2024

WWAY News,

Mgn 1280x960 31024b00 Zckci — school breakfast (Photo: USDA/PDM 1.0 DEED/MGN)

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover and Pender County Schools will receive a portion of $1.3 million in grants to expand access to school breakfast.

On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper announced that 42 public school districts and public charter schools across the state will receive NC Innovative School Breakfast Grants.

The grants will go to school districts and charter schools that implement innovative school breakfast models to expand student participation in school breakfast. These models include Breakfast in the Classroom, Second Chance Breakfast, and Grab and Go Breakfast.

Funds will be used to purchase kitchen equipment to increase meal prep capacity and serving equipment to more easily and efficiently distribute meals to students. Some programs have already started, and others will begin in the next school year.

“Our public schools not only provide safe places for children to learn, but also healthy meals for students who sometimes face food insecurity at home,” said Governor Cooper. “These grants will help more public schools provide breakfast for children in the classroom so they can start their day ready to learn and be successful.”

Public schools provide free- or reduced-price meals for children and nearly 60% of North Carolina public school students qualify for free- or reduced-price meals. Many children rely on these school meals for daily nutritional needs. Nearly 1 in 6 children in North Carolina live in households without consistent access to food.

The selected school districts and charter schools are: