School Nutrition Grants (General Program)

School Nutrition Grants

Geographic Scope: United States (national)

Focus Areas:

• Increasing access to healthy school meals
• Addressing student food insecurity
• Meal equipment and service model innovations
• Nutrition equity for children

Program Description:
GENYOUth provides nutrition grants to schools to increase participation in school meal programs and address food insecurity. Grants support innovative service models including:

• Grab and Go meal equipment packages: Increases participation by up to 27% by offering students ability to grab breakfast from carts or kiosks as they enter school
• Second-Chance Breakfast: Geared to middle and high school students who may not be hungry first thing in the morning
• Smoothie programs: Helps students get more nutrient-rich foods, dairy, and fruit; increases meal participation by up to 25%

Key Statistics:

• Over 500 Wisconsin schools awarded school nutrition grants (250,000+ students enrolled)
• Provides students with increased access to 35 million meals per year
• Over 77,000 U.S. schools supported
• Millions of children have equitable access to nutrition

Problem Being Addressed:

• 1 in 8 U.S. children is food insecure
• In Nevada: 1 in 5 children is food insecure
• 30 million of 55 million U.S. students rely on school meal programs
• Schools provide up to half of daily nutrition needed by youth
• Decline in school meal participation due to labor shortages, rising food costs, supply chain challenges
• School lunch participation decreased 6.9% from April-October 2022
• Only 56 of every 100 lunch participants also participate in school breakfast

Founded By: America's dairy farmers and the NFL

Partners: Fortune 100 companies, foundations, corporate sponsors

How to Apply

1. Visit Website: Go to GENYOUthNow.org
2. Identify Your School's Needs: Determine which nutrition grant program best fits (Grab and Go equipment, breakfast service model, smoothie program, etc.)
3. Complete School Information: Provide school details including:
   • School name and location
   • Student population size
   • Current meal participation rates
   • Food insecurity data
   • Proposed service model
4. Submit Application: Complete application through GENYOUthNow.org portal
5. Application Timing: Schools should sign up to be first to hear when grant opportunities open (registration available on website)
6. Award and Implementation: Upon approval, schools receive equipment and support to implement program

Note: Detailed step-by-step application process and specific required forms not fully documented in provided content. Website indicates schools should register for updates and notifications when applications open.