(Ambridge, Pa.) Pa State Rep. 16 th Rob Matzie announced that $77,155.00 was awarded to three local schools in his district to boost fresh fruits and vegetables for grade-schoolers.

Matzie said in a release that the funding awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $36,140 to the Aliquippa School District, $20,800 to the Ambridge Area School District, and $20,215 to the Rochester Area School District.

He went on to add that “Fresh, nutritious food helps kids learn.” “Securing this funding is going to allow school cafeterias to offer fresh produce to more grade-schoolers in our schools.”

The grants are part of a package of more than $7 million awarded to 288 elementary schools statewide under the FFVP. Funding priority was given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.