Florida is one of 18 states to receive funding from grants provided by USDA of nearly 5.2-million dollars to help them serve healthy food, provide nutrition education and create an environment focused on healthy eating and physical activity. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said serving children healthy school meals is a critical investment in their academic performance, physical health and future. The funding will be available through September 30th, 2014. Besides Florida, the other states and one territory also receiving this funding are Alaska, Arizona, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.