Madden welcomes $122K in grant funding for area schools

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Maureen Madden welcomes four grants totaling $122,284 that were awarded to enhance school safety and prepare healthy food for students in her district.

“As a member of the House Education Committee, I know how important it is that we do everything we can to ensure that our young people and teachers have a safe learning environment so they can concentrate on their studies,” said Madden, D-Monroe. “I’m glad to see this funding make its way back to Monroe County for such an important issue.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that Pocono Mountain School District was awarded a $60,000 Safe Schools grant for a school resource officer and a $19,960 Safe Schools program grant, while East Stroudsburg Area School District received a $19,452 Safe Schools equipment grant.

Each of the grants aims to assist schools in:

  • Reducing unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promoting an environment of greater productivity, safety, and learning.
  • Enhancing anti-violence efforts between schools and parents, local governments, law enforcement and community organizations.

A separate $22,872 food service equipment grant was awarded to East Stroudsburg Area School District to purchase an electric convection steamer for East Stroudsburg Senior High School.

“For many students, the meals they receive at school are the healthiest food they eat all day. This grant will allow the high school to serve healthy, steamed food as part of its overall menu,” said Madden.

Funding for the competitive 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.