Madden, Probst commend $70,000 for school kitchen equipment for East Stroudsburg, Pocono Mountain schools

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – Several local school cafeterias will be better equipped in the near future thanks to Food Service Equipment grants announced this week, said Monroe County state Reps. Maureen Madden and Tarah Probst.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded more than $2.7 million in funding to 130 local education agencies across the state to purchase new food service equipment for cafeterias, including schools within the East Stroudsburg Area School District and the Pocono Mountain School District.

“Healthier meals mean healthier kids who are better prepared to learn and grow,” Madden said. “I’m grateful to the Department of Education and the Shapiro administration for these grants.”

“This is wonderful news for the students at these schools and the dedicated people who work in the cafeterias to supply children and teachers with healthier meals,” Probst said. “Improved nutrition has been proven to enhance learning, and this funding is another step forward for our public schools.”

The schools within Madden’s 115th Legislative District and/or Probst’s 189th Legislative District to receive funding will be:

  • Smithfield Elementary School (ESASD): $8,734 for a roll-through heated cabinet.
  • East Stroudsburg North High School (ESASD): $20,295 for an electric convection steamer.
  • Tobyhanna Elementary Center (PMSD): $20,404 for an electric combi oven.
  • Clear Run Elementary Center (PMSD): $20,825 for an electric combi oven.

Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools use the grants to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers.