Request for Applications: RHTP 1.3 Farm-to-School Procurement and Policy Technical Assistance (TA)Applications Due: 08/31/2026

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) – Initiative 1.3 offers Nebraska‑based farmers, ranchers, producers, cooperatives, and food‑supplier entities a grant to purchase equipment (each item > $10,000) that expands farm‑to‑school procurement, processing, aggregation, and distribution capacity. Applications open 06/12/2026 and close 08/31/2026; each award is limited to $150,000, with a project period ending 06/30/2027. Successful applicants must provide three vendor quotes per piece of equipment, justify any non‑lowest‑price selections, and maintain detailed financial and equipment records for audit and reporting. The program prioritizes applicants serving rural/frontier counties, tribal communities, and food‑desert areas, and requires participation in NDE‑hosted technical‑assistance sessions. • Eligible entities: Nebraska farmers, ranchers, producers, cooperatives, and food‑supplier organizations. • Funding: Up to $150,000 per award; equipment purchases must exceed $10,000 each; total pool ≈ $8.34 M. • Requirements: Three vendor quotes per item, justification for non‑lowest‑price choices, robust accounting system, and post‑award reporting on equipment use and school impact.