The USDA-FNS-CN-EAG-FY26, also known as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grant, provides $20 million in competitive grants to State agencies for the purchase of school food service equipment valued at greater than $1,000. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), this grant supports schools in serving healthier meals, improving food safety, and establishing, maintaining, or expanding the School Breakfast Program.

Overview

The NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant is authorized under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4) and the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-37). State agencies awarded funds will administer competitive subgrants to eligible local education agencies (LEAs), school food authorities (SFAs), and schools. Since 2010, these grants have modernized school kitchens nationwide, addressed equipment disparities in underserved areas, and promoted strategies that foster healthy choices for students.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Program Funding: $20,000,000
• Expected Awards: 54
• Award Minimum: $25,000
• Award Maximum: $2,362,417
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Opportunity Category: Discretionary

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: State governments

There are 54 States that administer the NSLP and have agreements with FNS that are eligible to apply. In States where more than one agency has an agreement with FNS to administer the NSLP, the primary NSLP State agency (the agency that serves the majority of SFAs) is eligible to apply. State agencies may award subgrants to any LEA, SFA, or school participating in the NSLP.

Selection Criteria for Subgrants

State agencies are encouraged to consider the following criteria when awarding subgrants:

• Opportunities to improve the nutrition and quality of meals, including supporting updated nutrition requirements for school meals
• Age or lack of appropriate food service equipment
• Ability of food service equipment to increase efficiency of procurement, food storage, and distribution or service
• The availability of existing State and local funding for equipment purchases
• Strategies for adopting cafeteria changes that provide more convenience and appeal to students

Application Process

State agency applicants must develop and submit the Request for Applications (RFA) they will use to competitively award subgrants. This competitive RFA is a new process; applicants should review the RFA thoroughly to understand updated requirements and procedures. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

Closing Date: May 28, 2026

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FNS-CN-EAG-2026

Assistance Listing: 10.579 — Child Nutrition Discretionary Grants Limited Availability

Contact Information

Grant Officer: Carla Garcia
Email: carla.garcia@fns.usda.gov

For technical support, contact the Grants.gov Support Center at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.