Federal Grant Award Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 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 grant funds the development, improvement, and maintenance of automated information technology systems to operate and manage Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs), including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT), and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Under this three-year award, Rhode Island DESE will develop and implement technology solutions designed to enhance program accountability, data accuracy, performance measurement, and management capabilities for child nutrition initiatives across the state. The grant may support sub-awards to local educational agencies, school districts, and community organizations to facilitate implementation of these technology-driven improvements at the local level. All grant funds must be obligated and program activities completed by September 30, 2028, with final grant closeout and liquidation of all obligations required within 120 days following the award period's conclusion.