Harvest to Hallways: National School Lunch Program, Equipment Assistance Grants

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to a new school meals policy plan aligning the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030— providing real food, in every cafeteria. In support of this principle, the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is pleased to announce the availability of $50 million to provide grants on a non-competitive basis to State agencies for the Harvest to Hallways National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants. Investing in cafeteria upgrades, including cold storage, stoves, and other equipment, will help schools serve healthier meals and expanded offerings. State agency applicants should review this NOFA thoroughly to ensure full understanding of all application requirements and procedures.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the Harvest to Hallways NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant opportunity is to help ensure that schools have the equipment they need to serve more whole, nutrient-dense foods including protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. These grants will support getting more real and local foods in school meals. For more than a decade, the FNA has provided NSLP Equipment Assistance Grants to State agencies to help modernize school kitchens across the country — supporting the delivery of much‑needed equipment to underserved and rural communities while advancing strategies that give students greater access to healthy, nourishing choices.

Funding for these grants is being made available under section §1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) (P.L. 117-2). The fiscal year (FY) 2027 Harvest to Hallways NSLP Equipment Assistance Grants strengthen a critical link in the national food and agricultural supply chain by modernizing the capacity of school meal programs to handle, prepare, and serve nutritious, whole foods sourced from U.S. agriculture.…