WASHINGTON – USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service launched the first phase of its $100 million Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative Friday, Sept. 23, which is aimed at improving the nutritional quality of school meals by opening a request for applications for an organization to manage grants to small and/or rural school meal programs, establish an awards program to recognize school districts that are excelling in their meal quality and support schools in bringing best practices into their lunchrooms.“One of the most important things we can do to protect the future of our nation’s children is to make sure they have enough nutritious food to eat,” Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long said. “Local schools are experts in crafting meals that are both healthy and appet
