A $31,561 grant to provide more fresh fruit and vegetables for Suttons Bay's hot lunch program has been awarded to the district.

Members of the Board of Education learned Monday that Suttons Bay was one of 25 districts statewide selected for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program administered by the state Department of Education. As a condition of the grant funding, which originates with the federal Department of Agriculture and is distributed through the state education department, Suttons Bay must:

• Make free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students in one or more designated school area each day;

• Sponsor nutritional education activities that support and encourage student participation and consumption of nutritious foods.

The program has proved popular at both Leland and Glen Lake schools, where it has been in operation for several years.

Superintendent Mike Murray told board members that Glen Lake has recently enlisted the help of a local chef who “can do incredible things with vegetables” or food items more often recognized for nutritional value rather than taste. A portion of the grant funding could be used to contract for his services to comply with the educational component of the requirements.

In other business during the 90-minute session, the board:

• Acted to adopt a plan to fill the superintendent’s position in case of an “unplanned vacancy.” Board president Sue Corbin recommended the plan that states that the board will identify the high school principal as interim superintendent until a permanent successor is chosen.

• Were entertained with a presentation, which included music, from Montessori students on migratory birds;

• Approved its annual resolution to collect summer taxes.