FY 2026 Team Nutrition Training Grants

The Team Nutrition Training Grant: Growing Healthier Futures is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Food and Nutrition Administration to strengthen the nutritional health of children nationwide by supporting state-level capacity building. The program originates from the long-standing Team Nutrition initiative established in 1995, which aligns with federal dietary guidance and aims to improve child nutrition outcomes through education, training, and environmental change. This funding opportunity is designed specifically for State agencies that administer Child Nutrition Programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance training and technical assistance for child nutrition professionals while improving meal quality and expanding nutrition education efforts. Applicants must select one of two defined objectives: either focusing on school meal programs or on CACFP providers. Each objective requires a comprehensive approach that includes professional development, nutrition education, and the promotion of healthy food environments. The grant emphasizes alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and encourages innovative strategies such as scratch cooking, whole food promotion, and behavioral interventions that improve dietary habits among children and caregivers. Funding for this program is substantial, with up to 10 million dollars available for fiscal year 2026. Individual State agencies may request between 500000 and 1000000 dollars to support activities over a three year period. Allowable costs include personnel, training materials, travel, technology, and limited food purchases strictly for training purposes. Restrictions apply to prevent misuse of funds, including prohibitions on large equipment purchases, lobbying materials, entertainment costs, and meal service expenses. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers barriers for eligible applicants. Eligibility is limited to State agencies within the United States and its territories that administer qualifying child nutrition programs. Each State may submit only one application, either independently or in partnership with another State agency. Applicants must be in good standing with any prior Team Nutrition grants and must meet all federal compliance requirements, including registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. Subgrants are permitted but must align with program objectives and be clearly defined within the application. The application process is highly structured and requires submission through Grants.gov. Required components include federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B, along with a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, staffing plan, and supporting documentation. Applicants must outline a clear evaluation plan, project timeline, and management structure, including designated roles such as Project Director and Team Nutrition Coordinator. Applications are evaluated based on project design, evaluation strategy, management capacity, and budget justification, with additional bonus points available for interstate collaboration. Key dates for this funding opportunity include a release date of July 1, 2026 and an application deadline of July 31, 2026 at 1159 pm Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated to be announced in September 2026, with the period of performance running from September 30, 2026 through September 30, 2029. Reporting requirements include quarterly financial and performance reports, as well as a final report summarizing outcomes and deliverables. The program is not described as recurring, and future opportunities depend on federal appropriations. For questions or support, applicants may contact the designated Grant Officer at the USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. The grant emphasizes accountability, measurable outcomes, and long term sustainability, aiming to create lasting improvements in child nutrition programs across the country.

Ensure alignment with selected objective and all sub elements; provide clear measurable evaluation plan; demonstrate strong project management capacity; ensure budget justification is detailed and compliant