ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Ithaca City School District received a grant from the United States Food and Drug Administration to improve the quality of meals it serves to its students. The FDA is giving the district $617,770 for a two year initiative, according to the announcement.

Through the project, laboratories at the FDA will collect and analyze breakfast and lunch items served at the district and make recommendations to officials in order to transition from ultra-processed foods to whole, scratch-prepared meals. The FDA will check-in and help guide the district's progress throughout the two-year project.

The initiative focuses on fresh, local ingredients and balanced nutrition.

“This grant is truly a game changer for the Child Nutrition department,” said Beth Krause, Director of Chi

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