ORANGE, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Ralph C Mahar Regional School District has been awarded a $10,000 risk management grant to help replace a deteriorated grease trap hatch causing both a tripping hazard and a sanitation concern in the school kitchen. The funds come from the Massachusetts Interlock Insurance Association, which, this year, granted $1 million to 146 members.

FROM MIIA:

May 8, 2026 – Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District was awarded a $10,000 risk management grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) to support replacement of a deteriorated grease trap hatch in the dishroom area of the school kitchen.

According to the district, the existing hatch had become uneven and significantly worn, creating a tripping hazard for kitchen staff and raising sanitation concerns. The district said the new hatch provides a flush, secure surface that improves safety, supports hygiene and food service operations, and helps maintain compliance with workplace health and safety standards.

“We are grateful to MIIA for supporting this important safety improvement in our kitchen facilities. Replacing the deteriorated grease trap hatch has created a safer and more sanitary working environment for our food service team while supporting the continued efficiency of our school nutrition program,” said Katrina Bressani, Director of School Nutrition, Ralph C. Mahar Regional & School Union 73.

Now in its 24th year, MIIA’s FY2026 risk management grant program awarded a total of $1 million to 146 members to support risk management practices and projects that help protect employees, buildings, infrastructure, and other public assets.

“This grant program is about helping members take practical steps to reduce risk and strengthen resilience,” said Stan Corcoran, Senior Executive and MIIA Executive Vice President. “Our focus this year was to empower members to effectively address the growing challenges of evolving weather patterns, employee health and safety, and emerging cybersecurity threats. We are pleased to support Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District’s efforts to improve kitchen safety, reduce injury risk, and support a healthy working environment for staff.”

MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a mission-driven, member-led nonprofit, MIIA focuses on providing Massachusetts municipalities and other governmental entities with insurance coverage alternatives, quality risk management, and wellness programs.

For over four decades, MIIA has proudly supported its members in their efforts to build stronger communities, foster safer work environments, and implement programs that promote the health and well-being of their employees. For more information, visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.