Federal Grant Award Summary

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) received a $541,924 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service under the Child Nutrition-Technology Innovation Grant program (CFDA 10.541), awarded on September 30, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. This three-year grant funds the development, improvement, and maintenance of automated information technology systems that support the operation and management of child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

As the state agency administering Illinois's child nutrition initiatives, ISBE will leverage this funding to enhance technology infrastructure that improves program accountability, data accuracy, and performance measurement capabilities across the state's nutrition assistance operations. The grant supports technology solutions that benefit state and local organizations administering child nutrition programs, with ISBE authorized to sub-award portions of funding to local educational agencies, school districts, community organizations, and nonprofit entities to facilitate implementation of technology-driven improvements. All grant activities must be completed and funds obligated by the September 30, 2028 termination date, with final closeout occurring no later than 120 days thereafter.