Team Nutrition Grants

The goal of the Fiscal Year(FY) 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities is to help State agencies build capacity for implementing the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Pat

FNS has announced a grant opportunity under the Team Nutrition Training Grant Program that will allow State agencies to provide technical assistance to School Nutrition Professionals and help ensure they have the skills and knowledge to prepare and serve nutritious meals. The grant will also help School Nutrition Professionals pilot and implement coaching and mentoring programs and resources, and implement ways to capture and share the institutional, job specific knowledge of school nutrition directors, managers, and front-line staff.

State agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and/or Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Afterschool Program may apply for the FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities.

School decision makers, school food service staff, students, parents, teachers, and educators.

Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to pay for food only if the food is part of a culinary training or is purchased in small amounts for consideration for the school menu. Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to pay for food only if the food is part of a culinary training or is purchased in small amounts for consideration for the school menu. Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to purchase food production, demonstration equipment, apparel, and supplies related to training. Monetary awards (up to $500 per School Nutrition Professional during the period of performance for the grant) to incentivize completion of training programs are an allowable cost. Memberships and professional activities are allowable expenses. Salaries and benefits of personnel involved in nutrition education and administrative support of activities under this grant are allowable expenses. Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used to hire substitute school nutrition staff, in order that school nutrition staff may attend a training session or workshop. Cost of leasing a space to rent to complete administrative, professional, or other nutrition training activities is an allowable expense in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.465. Team Nutrition Training Grants may be used to purchase USDA approved nutrient analysis software, content learning management systems, premium subscriptions to design and visual communication platforms, productivity and communication software, and other software used to provide training as part of this grant. Team Nutrition Training Grant funds may be used for travel costs necessary for conducting grant activities. Team Nutrition Training Grants may be used to purchase translation or accessibility services for all print, electronic, social media, and web-based communications.

Food Foods used to prepare a meal for which reimbursement will be provided under the FNS nutrition assistance programs, including the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Food used as an incentive or prize for a nutrition training event. Foods provided directly to students and families to prepare and eat at home such as groceries or supplemental food. Meal sized portions or complete meal service. Meals or snacks used as refreshments during coalition meetings (e.g., LWP communities, SNAC meetings). Gift cards for use at a local farmer market Foods for activities outside the academic calendar (e.g., summer breakfast). Alcoholic beverages. Marketing and Materials Advertising and public relations materials, except when incurred for social marketing campaigns as defined under the grant for the purposes of recruitment of staff, acquisition of material for the grant, or publishing the results or accomplishments of the grant. Costs incurred to publicize the organization, as opposed to Team Nutrition activities, are not allowable. Equipment Large-scale, commercial foodservice equipment (>$5,000) Medical equipment Physical activity equipment Activities and Education Staff wellness activities outside the scope of this grant. Classes that are designed to provide case management or "life skills" training such as classes on English as a second language, parenting, child development, and crisis management. Nutrition education related to dietary needs of individuals, specific disease states, or altered physiological states. Food safety education, outside of education needed to prepare foods safely. Activities conducted in support of programs that are not the SBP or NSLP. Entertainment Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable (mascot costumes, promotional items, etc.) unless there is a programmatic purpose and prior approval is granted by USDA FNS.

The FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities period of performance is thirty-six months starting in September 2024 through September 30, 2027.

Technical review criteria for the FY 2024 Team Nutrition Training Grants for Meal Pattern Modernization and Retention and Mentorship Opportunities are furnished to all applicants in the RFA package and are used by the review panel to score and rank applications. Categories for the Team Nutrition Grant criteria are Justification, Need, and Project Narrative; Professional Standards; Sustainability; Project Outcomes, Effectiveness, and Evaluation; Organizational Capacity, Project Management, Quality Assurance, and Key Personnel; Budget Narrative; and two bonus point opportunities (up to 10 points each): 1. Project has the ability to affect a meaningful impact on racial equity and inclusion by engaging in at least one of the following: (1) contract with businesses that meet the definition of a "small disadvantaged business"; and/or (2) collaborate with community organizations that work with persons who are historically underserved, marginalized, and/or adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. 2. Project demonstrates collaboration with another USDA State agency administering the NSLP to amplify the reach of this grant by providing technical assistance, coaching, and/or mentorship to School Nutrition Professionals outside of their local area (e.g., another, state, region, or territory).

All applications that meet the published deadline for submission will be screened for completeness and conformity to the requirements as announced in the RFA package. Competitive grants are reviewed by a technical review panel composed of USDA Food and Nutrition staff which convene to determine the technical merit of each grant application, provide a numerical score for each application, and make recommendations to selecting officials.

Once the application is received from the State agency, it is approximately 3 to 4 months before announcement of the Team Nutrition Training Grant awards.

Not applicable for the TN Training Grants.