Harvest to Hallways: National School Lunch Program, Equipment Assistance Grants
For FY 2027, $50 million in noncompetitive grants will help state agencies award competitive subgrants for school meal equipment costing over $1,000 to support healthier meals.
Funder: Food and Nutrition Service
Due Dates: January 11, 2027 (Application, 11:59 p.m. EST) | February 2027 (Anticipated awards) | March 30, 2029 (Project completion)
Funding Amounts: $50 million total; State awards of $1–$6,200,306, subject to allocation caps; approximately two years
Summary: Supports State-administered equipment subgrants to help NSLP schools prepare healthier meals and expand whole-food offerings.
Key Information: Only designated NSLP State agencies apply directly; participating LEAs, school food authorities, and schools receive competitive State subgrants.
Description
The FY 2027 Harvest to Hallways National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants provide noncompetitive funding to State agencies, which then award competitive equipment subgrants to local education agencies (LEAs), school food authorities (SFAs), and schools. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service lists the opportunity, administered through the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA). Funding supports cafeteria improvements such as cold storage, stoves, and other food service equipment.
The program aims to increase schools’ capacity to prepare and serve whole, nutrient-dense foods, including protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. It supports more local foods in school meals and modernization of school kitchens, including those in underserved and rural communities. Funded under the American Rescue Plan Act, the program also seeks to strengthen food supply-chain resilience and reliable demand for U.S. agricultural products.
