SACRAMENTO—Almost 700 California public schools will be awarded more than $16 million to ensure more low-income students will receive nutritious food prepared with modern equipment, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today as he released the funding results of three grants.

“School can be one of the few places where children from low-income families may receive a healthy meal,” Torlakson said. “These grants will not only help upgrade some equipment in school kitchens, but will also go to provide more fresh fruits and vegetables to students in need.”

Research shows there is a clear connection between good health and learning. Healthy children miss fewer days of school, are more academically successful, more attentive and well-behaved, and more likely to graduate from high school and go to college. That’s why Torlakson started his Team California for Healthy Kids initiative designed to help children be more physically active, eat nourishing food, and drink plenty of water all day.

via Nutrition and Equipment Grants Awarded – Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education).