By Bill Grubb

NASHVILLE - Federal stimulus money has made its way from Washington D.C. to Keplar School.
    State Senator Mike Faulk said he has been advised that Keplar will receive $12,000 in school food authority grant money made available through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 
    The grant will fund the purchase of equipment for lunchrooms participating in the National School Lunch Program.
    The competitive grants allow schools with 50 percent or more of its students eligible for free or reduced price meals to purchase equipment that improves the safety of food serviced in school meal programs. 
    The goal is to improve the overall energy efficiency of school nutrition operations, as well as improving the overall quality of school nutrition meals that meet dietary guidelines.
    "I am pleased several schools in our state senate district will receive these grants," said Faulk.  "It is very important that we provide healthy meals under this program to give our students the best opportunity to learn and grow.  This money will help us achieve that goal."
    Faulk represents the fourth senate district which includes Hawkins, Hancock, Jefferson, Claiborne and Union counties.