FY 2026 fdpir nutrition education

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service seeks applicants for a cooperative agreement to develop and implement an innovative nutrition education project for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), with applications due July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Up to two cooperative agreements totaling a maximum of $500,000 will be awarded, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for a 24-month performance period from September 2026 through September 2028.

Eligible applicants include Indian Tribal Organizations, State agencies administering FDPIR, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, accredited institutions of higher education including Tribal colleges and universities, and eligible Tribal entities. All applicants must demonstrate three years of prior experience providing FDPIR-related nutrition education, food safety education, or food service training within the three years preceding application submission, supported by a cover letter with work product examples, two letters of support from past clients, and resumes for key project staff.

The funded project must provide culturally appropriate nutrition education activities and resources for FDPIR participants and program staff that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 and promote USDA Foods. Required deliverables include a comprehensive needs assessment report, culturally relevant nutrition education resources, a comprehensive evaluation report with pre/post outcome measures, at least one coordinated nutrition education engagement with Tribal professionals, and training curriculum or turnkey resources for FDPIR program operators. The cooperative agreement requires substantial Food and Nutrition Administration involvement in planning, implementation, review, and approval of all deliverables.

Evaluation criteria total 120 points, assessing project design (25 points), evaluation component (10 points), staff experience and management (25 points), organizational experience and past performance (25 points), budget appropriateness (15 points), and up to 20 bonus points for extensive experience or innovative nutrition education methods. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, and nutrition education materials; food for educational purposes is limited to 10 percent of budget. Indirect costs are limited to the lesser of the applicant's Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement or 10 percent of total direct costs for nonprofits.

The Assistance Listing number is 10.594.