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Here in Minnesota, we value education and want to see every child succeed, but with 1 in 6 students trying to learn on an empty stomach we are not living up to those values. With our budget surplus, we have the resources to step up and provide the food security families need and the high-quality education our children deserve.
This week the House voted to provide free school meals for Minnesota’s students. Every child deserves a world-class education, but academic performance suffers when students are hungry. House File 5 will feed children so they can concentrate in the classroom and achieve their dreams. I’m happy to have voted for this legislation to slash grocery bills and help families save money.
Applications are now open for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Good Food Access Program (GFAP) grants. These grants increase the availability and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods in underserved communities. Two grants are currently available:
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GFAP Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant – Designed to help grocery stores and small food retailers make improvements to allow the stocking of fresh foods. Between 10 and 18 grants of up to $50,000 will be made.
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GFAP Technical Assistance Grant – Available to help nonprofit organizations and public agencies provide technical assistance to eligible food retailers. Awards up to $100,000 will be made for this round of applicants.
Awards for both grants must be used to support projects that are in or serve food deserts or low- to moderate-income communities with limited access to supermarkets.
MDH is offering free at-home rapid COVID tests. This is the final chance for people in Minnesota to get free tests before the program ends. Order your free at-home rapid tests online. The website is available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups, and other community health organizations may also provide free testing.
The House Education Finance Committee recently passed H.F. 21, my bill to provide comprehensive support and funding for full-service community schools. Throughout the last few years, we have heard of the staffing shortages and the needs we must meet for our students in our education system. Full-service community schools incorporate community partnerships to meet the aspects of early childhood services, academic support, and enrichment activities. In my community Brooklyn Center, we have seen graduation rates increase in its first-in-the-state full-service community school. It’s vital we support and invest in these schools to support our students.
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at [email protected] or please contact my Legislative Assistant Matthew at [email protected]. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
[email protected]
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