Purpose of 2024-2025 Equipment Assistance Grant Funding:

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, provided $10 million to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for the purpose of equipment assistance grants. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), Office of Nutrition received $337,995 for distribution to eligible school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program.
 
These funds will make a significant investment in meeting the unmet need allowing the purchase of capital equipment needed to serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and to help support the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of the School Breakfast Program.
 
Funds may be used for new equipment purchases (i.e. purchases that occur after the school is awarded funds), renovation of equipment or replacement of equipment. The funds may not be used to retroactively pay for or reimburse the school for prior equipment purchases.

Important Dates:

December 9, 2024: Application opens
January 12, 2025: Application closes at 11:59 pm EST
February 8, 2025 (tentative): Applicants notified of awards

Resources: