Description
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is offering up to $50 million in FY 2027 “Harvest to Hallways” Equipment Assistance Grants on a non‑competitive basis to the 54 State agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Grants are intended to fund the purchase and installation of cafeteria equipment (cold storage, stoves, food‑service tools, etc.) valued over $1,000, enabling schools to serve healthier, whole‑food meals and to increase operational efficiency. State agencies will then competitively sub‑grant these funds to eligible local education agencies (LEAs), school food authorities (SFAs), and individual schools. Up to 5 % of each State’s award may be used for State‑level administrative costs.
• Total funding: $50 M; individual State allocations range from $50,000 to $6.2 M (based on FY 2026 Child Nutrition State Administrative Expense formula).
• Eligible applicants: Primary NSLP State agency in each state (or the agency that serves the majority of SFAs).
• Grant purpose: Purchase/installation of equipment > $1,000 that improves storage, cooking, and service of nutrient‑dense foods.
• Sub‑grant administration: States must follow federal procurement rules (7 CFR 210.21, 2 CFR 200.317‑327) and may re‑allocate un‑obligated funds.
• Period of performance: 02/2027 – 03/30/2029 (≈ 2 years).
• Application deadline: 11:59 PM EST, 01/11/2027 via Grants.gov; no paper submissions accepted.
• Required documentation: SF‑424 series, budget narrative, FNS‑906 questionnaire, indirect cost documentation (if applicable), and a State‑level RFA for sub‑grants.
• Reporting: Quarterly financial reports (SF‑425) and annual progress reports (FNS‑908) plus a final report 120 days after award end.