Nebraska RHTP Initiative 1.3: Farm-to-School Procurement and Policy Technical Assistance Grant

Summary

The Nebraska RHTP Initiative 1.3 Farm-to-School Procurement and Policy Technical Assistance Grant provides nearly $8.34 million in federal funding for equipment to support local food production, aggregation, processing, and distribution for rural, tribal, and frontier schools. Grants up to $150,000 may be awarded to schools, districts, local producers, suppliers, and co-ops to purchase equipment that increases access to kitchen-ready local foods, supports healthier scratch-cooked meal options, and reduces prep burden in school kitchens. Priority is given to applicants serving rural communities, food deserts, or tribal areas.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are rural or frontier schools and school districts in Nebraska. Applicants must demonstrate readiness to transition their kitchen facilities for increased scratch and semi-scratch cooking, meal quality improvement, and increased student meal participation.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit a complete application outlining planned use of equipment for local food production, aggregation, or distribution; describe coordination with schools and suppliers; provide quotes and justification for each item; and include documentation of readiness for procurement and technical assistance participation. Equipment purchases must directly support increased access to local foods and improvements in meal quality and school meal participation. Non-allowable costs include administrative expenses, food purchases, or construction. Maximum award is $150,000 per applicant per year. Final report due by 06/30/2027.