Suburban schools to benefit from cafeteria grant program

Several suburban school districts and social-service groups are among those that will share $3.6 million in federal stimulus funds earmarked for cafeteria improvements, Gov. Pat Quinn's office announced Wednesday.

A total of 84 districts will receive the competitive grants, which will be used to improve the quality of the meals served at the schools, increase energy efficiency inside cafeterias and increase participation in school meal programs.

Priority was given to schools in which at least half the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, based on family income level.

Carpentersville-based Community Unity District 300 will receive roughly $100,400 as part of the program, the most of all Northwest suburban recipients. The money will go to Perry Elementary, Golfview Elementary, Carpentersville Middle and Lakewood schools, which will use it to buy various pieces of new kitchen equipment, from stainless steel cutting tables to walk-in refrigerators.

"Our existing equipment was getting up there in age," District 300 Grant Specialist Eric Knutson said. "This will enable us to improve safety and make better food."

Other suburban recipients include:

• Aurora East Unit District 131, Aurora ($95,400)

• Zion Elementary District 6, Zion ($42,000)

• Lutheran Social Services, Des Plaines ($20,300)

• Philip J. Rock Center and School, Glen Ellyn ($16,500)

• Palatine District 15, Palatine ($13,400)

• Round Lake District 116, Round Lake ($12,100)

• East Maine School District 63, Des Plaines ($8,910)

• Alternative Behavior Treatment Center, Mundelein ($1,730)