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USDA NSLP Equipment Grant

Overview

The purpose of Equipment Assistance Grants is to distribute funding allocations provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act. State agencies competitively award equipment assistance grants to eligible School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

These funds will allow SFAs to purchase equipment to serve healthier meals that meet the updated meal patterns, with emphasis on more fruits and vegetables in school meals, improve food safety, and expand access.

State agencies must award these grants via a competitive grant process to SFAs, giving priority to high need schools (i.e., schools in underserved areas, schools with limited access to other resources, and age of food service equipment).

FY 2024 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant - Application Period OPEN

USDA released memo SP20-2024 regarding the Fiscal Year 2024 National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant for School Food Authorities. USDA awarded Wisconsin a total of $170,191 to distribute to School Food Authorities (SFAs). Note, this is a significant decrease in funding from previous equipment grants and will affect the number of SFAs we are able to award.  

The FY 2024 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant application period will be open from January 17, 2025 through February 28, 2025. Late applications will NOT be accepted. 

SFAs should NOT go out to bid until they have been notified that they have been selected to proceed with part two AND that their specification has been approved by the DPI procurement team. Any equipment purchase (or obligation to purchase) made prior to the official grant award is not eligible for funding. 

Application Materials

Important Grant Details

The application period is January 17 - February 28, 2025.

FY 2024 Equipment Assistance Grant Announcement Letter
We encourage all SFAs interested in applying to review the announcement letter prior to applying. This letter outlines important grant information. 

“How to Apply” Video Tutorial

 


Part 1 Application

Application links will be sent via email to the Authorized Representative and Food Service Director at each SFA participating in the National School Lunch Program. SFAs will be contacted regarding the status of their application in the spring of 2025.

Part 2 Going out to Bid

SFAs selected to proceed with Part 2 of the Equipment Grant process will have their specifications reviewed by the DPI SNT Procurement Team. Only after the specification has been approved should the SFA go out to bid. 
 

Equipment Resources
Additional Resources

Contact

Tracy Huffman, MS, RDN, CD
Public Health Nutritionist
(608) 266-7112
Alyssa Santana, RDN, CD
Nutrition Program Consultant
(608) 266-1046