Submit Applications for Get Schools Cooking Grant (US)

Applications are now open for the Get Schools Cooking Grant program, which supports U.S. school districts eager to transform their school lunch programs from processed foods to scratch-cooked meals.

Category

Grant

Program Overview

Whole Kids has partnered with the Chef Ann Foundation to assist districts in transitioning from highly processed meals to scratch cooking. The Get Schools Cooking initiative offers a multi-year transformative journey that includes:

• In-person workshops for food service directors
• On-site assessments and recommendations
• Strategic planning
• Peer-to-peer collaboration
• Access to a Technical/Equipment Assistance Grant

Importance of the Program

Serving children scratch-cooked meals enables districts to offer healthier, more nutritious, and delicious breakfast and lunch options. However, the shift to scratch cooking comes with several challenges, including financial, procurement, management, education, and staffing hurdles. This program offers expert guidance to help school districts overcome these barriers. A recent Pew study revealed that school food programs preparing more scratch-cooked meals and using salad bars saw increased student participation. The program’s guidelines promote healthier meal options compared to processed food offerings.

Funding Information

The program offers nearly $250,000 in value per participating district, depending on the size of the district.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, school districts must meet the following criteria:

• Commit to transitioning towards a scratch-cooked, fresh whole foods approach for meal programs
• Demonstrate support for improvements from district leadership
• Participate in the National School Lunch Program
• Run a self-operated food service program

Donor Name: Whole Kids Foundation

Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000

Source URL: Whole Kids Foundation: Get Schools Cooking Grant

Publish Date: 06-Sept-2024

Deadline Date: 30-Sept-2024

Country: United States