Nourishing Minds, Transforming School Meals: Grant Opportunities Available!

Date: December 6, 2023 Posted by JenniferG Mail Twitter Facebook

In an era where the emphasis on health and wellness has never been more prominent, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is paving the way for schools to revolutionize their food systems through the School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants. These grants present an exciting opportunity for schools nationwide to enhance their nutrition programs and create a positive impact on the well-being of students.

The School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants aim to address the pressing need for healthier and more sustainable school meal options. With the ultimate goal of transforming the landscape of school food systems, these grants provide financial support to schools willing to innovate and elevate their nutrition offerings.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has awarded four cooperative agreements to Boise State University, Chef Ann Foundation, Full Plates Full Potential, and Illinois Public Health Institute to support the development and implementation of the sub-grants. Each of these grants will support collaborative projects between school districts, food producers, suppliers, distributors, and community partners with the end goal of creating a stronger, more equitable, and healthier school food system. Here are the details for each of the sub-grant opportunities:

Center for School and Community Partnerships at Boise State University

The Center for School and Community Partnerships at Boise State University’s Request for Applications for the Supporting Community Agriculture and Local Education Systems Sub-Grants (SCALES) is now open. SCALES will award up to 35 rural School Food Authorities (SFA) across the nation. Grant awards will be up to $150,000. SCALES will work with SFA directors over a two-year period to build partnerships for innovative solutions to increase local procurement in school meal programs. More information on this grant opportunity is available at https://projectscales.com/.

Important Dates

Chef Ann Foundation

Chef Ann Foundation’s Request for Applications for Partnerships for Local Agriculture & Nutrition Transformation in Schools (PLANTS) Sub-Grants is now open. PLANTS will fund eight collaborative projects led by groups of local partners advancing systemic and equity-driven approaches to transforming school food supply chains. Grant awards will be between $500,000 and $600,000. Entities eligible to apply include school food authorities, food producers, food distributors and aggregators, nonprofits, and local government agencies. More information on this grant opportunity is available at https://www.thelunchbox.org/fresh-food-initiatives/apply-for-a-grant/plants-grant/.

Important Dates

Full Plates Full Potential

Full Plates Full Potential will be releasing two Request for Applications in February 2024. More details to come!

Illinois Public Health Institute

Illinois Public Health Institute’s Request for Applications for the Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub will be opening in February 2024, so stay tuned! Spark Awards will fund short-term projects and will be between $10,000 and $75,000. Innovation Collaborative Awards will be for larger projects and will be up to $250,000. More information on these grant opportunities is available at https://innovateschoolfood.org/.

The School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants represent a golden opportunity for schools across the nation to embark on a journey of culinary innovation and wellness promotion. By seizing this chance, schools like yours can contribute to the larger movement towards healthier, more sustainable, and nourishing food systems for our nation's future.