The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is awarding up to $50,000 in Agriculture Growth Research and Innovation grants to eligible institutions to increase the use of Minnesota dairy products in their nutrition programs. Minnesota Milk Producers Association Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom says his group was one of several that requested the program last year and is pleased it’s continuing.

He says the hope is that the milk cooler grants will lead to healthy eating habits for kids.

Sjostrom says the AGRI Grants benefit both the students and dairy producers.

Each school or early care education organization may apply for up to $1,500 per milk cooler. Applications must be submitted by April 4.