School after-school meal and snack program; grants; rules

(1) The Department of Education shall provide assistance to school districts, government agencies and community groups to encourage participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s program that provides meals and snacks at at-risk after-school care centers. (2) In addition to the assistance provided under subsection (1) of this section, the department may award grants to school districts, government agencies and community groups to encourage participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s program that provides meals and snacks at at-risk after-school care centers. Each grant may not exceed $20,000 and must be used to: (a) Purchase or upgrade necessary equipment and services required to provide food service and meet sanitation requirements; (b) Make any payment necessary to comply with sanitation requirements that may be required prior to approval; or (c) Fund participant outreach activities and materials and necessary enrichment activities and materials. (3) The department may enter into a contract with a public or private entity for the purposes of the entity providing: (a) Technical assistance to applicants for and recipients of grants; and (b) Administration of the grant program. (4) The State Board of Education may adopt any rules necessary for the administration of this section.