Since 2010, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grant program has been used to modernize school kitchens, address equipment disparities in underserved areas, and promote strategies that foster healthy food choices for students.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides state agencies with federal funds to administer this program.
NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
FY 2027 NSLP EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT
School Food Authorities that operate the National School Lunch Program may apply for up to $25,000 to purchase or renovate one school food service equipment item, for use in their school nutrition program.
Equipment proposals must directly support the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program and pertain to any one or more of the project focus areas:
- Improve the nutrition and quality of meals, including the implementation of updated nutrition requirements for school meals
- Improve food safety
- Newly implement the School Breakfast Program
- Expand the School Breakfast Program
- Increase operational efficiency related to procurement, food storage, and/or distribution service
- Provide convenience and appeal to the student population
Full Details & How to Apply
Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on December 24, 2026.
Previously Awarded Schools
Schools that have received a NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant for any year since FY2009 are included in the
Previously Awarded Schools listing
.
Grant Reporting Requirements
School Food Authorities that have been awarded a National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant are to report on grant expenditures and programmatic performance each quarter during the grant period until project activities are complete.
Expenditure Reporting
Claim for Reimbursement
School Food Authorities awarded a National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant are to report expenditures for allowable costs using the claim for reimbursement form. A claim for reimbursement of grant expenditures must be submitted to ISBE no later than 30 days from the end of the grant spending period. Claims may be submitted sooner or more frequently throughout the grant period, if desired.
Programmatic Reporting
Periodic Performance Report
School Food Authorities awarded a National School Lunch Program are to report on project performance each quarter during the grant period until the project is complete.
