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Is there any funding for school nutrition program equipment? How much?
Yes. Washington state has received $1,588,047 for equipment assistance grants. Any local education agency (LEA) sponsoring a national school lunch program (NSLP) may apply.
How will the funding be distributed?
Funds will be awarded through a competitive grant process. Equipment requests may include new equipment, renovation of equipment, or replacement of equipment. Priority will be given to schools having enrollment of at least 50% free and reduced price eligible students.
When will districts expect to receive the funds?
This is unknown at this time.
How will the grant program be administered?
The grant application will be available through iGrants, hopefully on April 1. The grant application will be due back by May 1. The grants will be awarded on or around June 8. The grant funds must be fully expended by September 30.
What is the definition of equipment?
USDA regulations at 7 CFR 3016.3 and Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87 define equipment for the purpose of NSLP equipment assistance grants as articles of nonexpendable, tangible personal property with a useful life of more than one year and a per unit acquisition cost of at least $5,000.
May a LEA apply for an amount less than the $5,000 as defined by Federal/State government?
Local agencies that use such lesser amounts (known as “capitalization thresholds”) to define equipment may still apply. Documentation of the local policy will be needed as part of the grant application.
May a LEA apply for funds for more than one school?
LEAs have the option of applying for a single school or for multiple schools. Each school will have a separate request. Equipment requests for central kitchens will also be considered if the combined enrollment of all schools served by the central kitchen is 50% or more free and reduced eligible.
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