Frederick County Public Schools Receives

The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) has named Penny Curry, Director of School Nutrition Services for Frederick County Public Schools in Virginia, the recipient of the LTI Equipment Grant for school meal program equipment. Facing continued staffing and financial challenges, school nutrition professionals nationwide applied for SNF Equipment Grants in school year 2023-2024. The grant will supply a Grab ‘n Go Cart and decor totaling up to $30,000 to benefit the district’s school meal program and students they serve.

According to Penny Curry, the grant will allow Millbrook High School to expand access to school breakfast and upgrade the dining area at Middletown Elementary School. The Grab ‘n Go Cart will allow quicker breakfast service for high school students making their way to class, while ensuring they are nourished for their day. Lunch participation rates at the high school are 61 percent while breakfast rates are only 19 percent. Curry’s goal is to close that gap and ensure hungry students are starting their school day with breakfast.

“Studies show students who eat breakfast are more focused, perform better academically and have fewer discipline issues,” said Curry. “We anticipate the new Grab ‘n Go Cart option will increase participation in our breakfast program and foster healthy eating habits among students.”

The grant money will also be used to improve the décor at Middletown Elementary School dining area, which Curry says is virtually nonexistent. She describes the area as a blank space that does not generate enthusiasm among students. Curry’s goal is to revitalize the dining area by adding signage to showcase food items and add decorations to promote school spirit and a create a more enjoyable atmosphere. Studies show students consume more of their meal and behave better when the dining area appeals to them.

“Consuming a healthy breakfast is a key component to every student’s school day and we are thrilled to award the LTI Equipment Grant to the Frederick County Public School District,” said SNF Chair, Becky Domokos-Bays, PhD, RD, SNS. “We are happy to support Penny’s efforts to provide students with quick yet healthy breakfast options and improve the décor in dining areas.”

As the recipient of the LTI Equipment Grant, Frederick County Public Schools will be awarded up to $30,000 worth of LTI equipment and decor. They will work with Low Temp Industries (LTI, Inc.) representatives to get the Grab ‘n Go Cart ordered and delivered and determine what best suits their school district’s decor needs.

About School Nutrition Foundation:

The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is the charitable arm of the School Nutrition Association (SNA). SNF supports school nutrition professionals by offering grants and scholarships, providing free training opportunities and identifying research, trends and innovations. The 2024 SNF Equipment Grants are made possible by the generous contributions of AmTab, Winston Foodservice, ITW Food Equipment Group (Hobart Equipment and Vulcan Equipment), Food Warming Equipment Company, Inc., LTI Inc. and Cambro Manufacturing, Sterno Delivery and Innoseal Systems.

About School Nutrition Association:

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.