Food and Nutrition Service Grants

Food and Nutrition Service

FY 2026 WIC Infrastructure Grant

Food and Nutrition Service

<p>FY 2026 WIC Infrastructure Grants must be used for one or more of the three objectives identified below. Proposals may contain more than one objective. Please see the Request for Applications under the "Related Documents" tab for additional information on these objectives and other grant requirements. Applicants must clearly identify in their proposal which of the objective(s) they have selected.</p><p><br></p><p>Consortia may only apply for objective 3.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Objective #1</strong>: Promoting Program Integrity to Minimize Waste, Fraud, and Abuse</p><p>State agencies will implement policy, process, and/or technology improvements in the WIC Program that ensure taxpayer dollars are used for their intended purpose and serve as many eligible women, infants, and children as possible.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Objective #2</strong>: Creating Opportunities to Connect America’s Farmers to WIC</p><p>State agencies will make technological improvements necessary to allow WIC Cash Value Benefit to be redeemed at farmers markets. All activities and costs are allowable for the WIC program only. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) activities and costs are not allowed to be paid for with WIC funds, including this funding opportunity and the WIC General Infrastructure funds.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Objective #3</strong>: Developing and Implementing Modernized Technology</p><p>State agencies will update WIC MIS and/or WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer(EBT) systems to ensure data accuracy and system compliance and/or implementing digital services that ensure that the State agency runs an efficient WIC program.</p>

Food and Nutrition Service

FY 2026 WIC Infrastructure Grants must be used for one or more of the three objectives identified below. Proposals may contain more than one objective. Please see the Request for Applications under the "Related Documents" tab for additional information on these objectives and other grant requirements. Applicants must clearly identify in their proposal which of the objective(s) they have selected.Consortia may only apply for objective 3.Objective #1: Promoting Program Integrity to Minimize Waste, Fraud, and AbuseState agencies will implement policy, process, and/or technology improvements in the WIC Program that ensure taxpayer dollars are used for their intended purpose and serve as many eligible women, infants, and children as possible.Objective #2: Creating Opportunities to Connect America s Farmers to WICState agencies will make technological improvements necessary to allow WIC Cash Value Benefit to be redeemed at farmers markets. All activities and costs are allowable for the WIC program only. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) activities and costs are not allowed to be paid for with WIC funds, including this funding opportunity and the WIC General Infrastructure funds.Objective #3: Developing and Implementing Modernized TechnologyState agencies will update WIC MIS and/or WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer(EBT) systems to ensure data accuracy and system compliance and/or implementing digital services that ensure that the State agency runs an efficient WIC program.

Food and Nutrition Service

SNAP FRAUD FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION GRANT

Food and Nutrition Service

<p>The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration works to nourish those in need through financially sound programs that promote health and work, as well as champion the productivity of American agriculture. Consistent with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ guiding principle to take swift action to minimize instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse in nutrition programs, the SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant Program supports State agency efforts to improve and expand recipient fraud prevention, detection, and investigation efforts using the procedures, ideas, and practices outlined in the SNAP Fraud Framework. The SNAP Fraud Framework is designed to support State agencies as they develop new efforts or improve existing ones to prevent, detect, and investigate recipient fraud.</p><p><br></p><p>Section 29(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036b) authorizes FNA to prevent trafficking of SNAP benefits. Based on this authority, Congress has provided funding in annual appropriations in recent years to provide competitive grants to support State agencies in implementing SNAP’s Fraud Framework and to strengthen program integrity activities in SNAP. Up to $5 million has been appropriated in fiscal year (FY) 2026 for State agencies to implement practices described in the SNAP Fraud Framework. Applicants may apply for up to $750,000 in funding. This funding opportunity will be offered on a competitive basis. </p><p><br></p><p> </p>

Food and Nutrition Service

The USDA s Food and Nutrition Administration works to nourish those in need through financially sound programs that promote health and work, as well as champion the productivity of American agriculture. Consistent with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins guiding principle to take swift action to minimize instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse in nutrition programs, the SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grant Program supports State agency efforts to improve and expand recipient fraud prevention, detection, and investigation efforts using the procedures, ideas, and practices outlined in the SNAP Fraud Framework. The SNAP Fraud Framework is designed to support State agencies as they develop new efforts or improve existing ones to prevent, detect, and investigate recipient fraud.Section 29(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036b) authorizes FNA to prevent trafficking of SNAP benefits. Based on this authority, Congress has provided funding in annual appropriations in recent years to provide competitive grants to support State agencies in implementing SNAP s Fraud Framework and to strengthen program integrity activities in SNAP. Up to $5 million has been appropriated in fiscal year (FY) 2026 for State agencies to implement practices described in the SNAP Fraud Framework. Applicants may apply for up to $750,000 in funding. This funding opportunity will be offered on a competitive basis.

Food and Nutrition Service

FY2026 SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives &ndash; Cooperative Agreement

Food and Nutrition Service

The USDA s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) works to nourish those in need through financially sound programs that promote health and work, as well as champion the productivity of American agriculture. FNA requests applications for the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) Cooperative Agreement Project for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The goal of these grants is to increase the purchase of fluid milk among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. In line with the United States Department of Agriculture s (USDA) strategic goals to provide Americans with access to healthier food systems to build healthier families, the HFMI project both develops and implements modernized systems, as well as strengthens existing strategies to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families.

Food and Nutrition Service

FY 2026 Team Nutrition Training Grants

Food and Nutrition Service

<p><span style="color: windowtext;">Executive Summary</span></p> <p>Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting State innovation, developing and implementing modernized systems, and minimizing instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse. To advance these priorities, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is excited to announce the availability of <strong>$8.7 million</strong> to provide competitive grants to State agencies to strengthen the integrity of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).&nbsp;Through the Technology Innovation Grant for CACFP Integrity (TIG-CACFP), as authorized under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968/text?s=3&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Public+Law+119-4%22%7D" target="_blank">119-4</a>), States will have the opportunity to design and implement modernized information technology (IT) solutions that improve program operations, enhance accountability, and drive lasting improvements in CACFP integrity.</p> <p><span style="color: windowtext;">Program Description</span></p> <p>FNA is investing grant funds to strengthen CACFP integrity and ensure that eligible children and adults who receive care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers receive the full benefit of the program. Recent high-profile fraud cases have demonstrated the urgent need for stronger safeguards to restore and maintain public confidence in CACFP. Although most program operators seek to comply with program rules in good faith, fraud—even when infrequent—undermines public confidence in government programs and jeopardizes their ability to serve the individuals who are in greatest need of assistance. Accordingly, FNA is committed to supporting State agency efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.</p> <p>The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968/text?s=3&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Public+Law+119-4%22%7D" target="_blank">119-4</a>) authorized funding for grants to States for the purposes of developing, implementing, and improving modernized information technology (IT) systems used to operate and manage the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). In previous years, Technology Innovation Grants (TIGs) have been provided on both a competitive and non-competitive basis. This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is a new initiative <em>specifically</em> for modernizing systems that operate and manage CACFP to improve program integrity and accountability. State agency applicants should review the RFA thoroughly to ensure full understanding of the updated requirements and procedures.</p> <p>The TIG-CACFP will provide funds to CACFP State agencies for projects to develop, implement, and improve IT systems used to operate and manage CACFP. This grant opportunity is intended to encourage State agencies that administer CACFP to propose innovative technology solutions that improve program integrity, accountability, and efficiencies at both the State and local levels.</p> <p>Further, FNA encourages applicants to propose projects that will support implementation of the CACFP integrity strategies outlined in the February 11, 2026, letter titled <a href="https://www.fna.usda.gov/cacfp/state-integrity-letter" target="_blank"><em>Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)</em>.</a>&nbsp;public link: https://www.fna.usda.gov/cacfp/state-integrity-letter</p> <p><br></p> <p>Key strategies include:</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Using the onboarding process to help prevent bad actors from participating in CACFP.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Training for institutions in program integrity.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monitoring, investigating, and correcting issues to support effective management of institutions.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Using the serious deficiency and suspension process as required.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reviewing reimbursement claims for signs of program abuse.</p> <p><br></p> <p>State agencies administering the CACFP maintain automated systems at the State level that rely on operational data from the local levels including, but not limited to, program applications, eligibility certifications, verification, meal counting and claiming, menu planning, program monitoring, and program reporting.&nbsp;CACFP Sponsoring Organizations (SOs) typically use automated systems, manual systems, or a combination thereof to capture the local program data reported to the State agency.&nbsp;In some States, local agencies may be using 30 or more different software systems to submit program data to the State agency.&nbsp;Others still rely on manual, paper-based methods to capture and report Program data or to receive information from the site level.&nbsp;These inconsistencies create duplication of effort, increase the risk of errors, and reduce visibility of program operations for monitoring purposes. The TIG-CACFP can be used to bridge such gaps by modernizing automation, improving the integrity of CACFP and minimizing risk of fraud, waste, and abuse.</p> <p>The TIG-CACFP can be used to bridge such gaps by modernizing automation, improving the integrity of CACFP and minimizing risk of fraud, waste, and abuse.</p> <p><br></p> <p>For example, the funds could be used to support activities such as:</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhance automated edit checks to validate data accuracy and consistency across program applications, meal claims, and monitoring reports, reducing errors and strengthening CACFP integrity.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Develop seamless interfaces that connect SOs systems with the State system in such a way that they perform seamlessly without duplicating effort yet remain as separate systems.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Improve State and SO systems to better comply with USDA/FNA, State, and local requirements by incorporating automated compliance checks, standardized reporting formats, and real-time validation tools.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide sub-grants to SOs for software to implement automated electronic systems for CACFP.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enhance State and/or SO systems to be able to upload documentation for applications and reimbursement claims, bank records, support disaggregated data, review meal claim forms electronically, improve edit checks, improve record keeping.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Create a virtual statewide training system where the State agency provide SOs/sites access to program modules.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expand existing State systems to allow for the routine monthly collection, maintenance, and analysis of facility-level CACFP participation and meal claim records.</p> <p>FNA will expect grantees to share challenges and successes from their projects broadly, so other State agencies can learn from these innovations and potentially adopt similar solutions to strengthen CACFP integrity.&nbsp;As a final deliverable of the grant project, grantees will be expected to virtually present an overview of their project to FNA and State agencies that operate CACFP, highlighting best practices and lessons learned. This presentation will be shared nationwide and may be posted on CN PartnerWeb.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: windowtext;">Key Objective</span></p> <p><br></p> <p>The Program Objective for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP is <strong>to strengthen CACFP integrity by developing, implementing, and improving information technology systems used to operate and manage the program.</strong></p> <p>As noted in Section 4, within the “Activities/Indicators Tracker,” proposed activities should be clearly aligned to this <strong>objective</strong> and their associated activities and indicators. Note that if awarded, grantees will be required to report on progress towards activities aligned with the required objective and must use the FNA-908 Performance Progress Report. Carefully considering proposed activities and indicators will prepare grantees for their progress reporting requirements if awarded.</p> <p>Examples of project activities that could be supported by FY 2026 TIG-CACFP funds and support the required objective include, but are not limited to:</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;System planning activities <em>that support implementation of system project within the grant period</em>, such as:</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Current IT systems evaluations, including internal reviews and/or hiring a contractor or university student to conduct a review and recommend solutions;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Feasibility studies, including business analysis, requirements analysis, alternative analysis, and cost benefit analysis to plan for an implementation of the system project;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Hiring a staff member, such as a project manager, to oversee planning and implementation activities;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Establishing a project management plan and/or risk management plan;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Preparing a functional requirements specification or document;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Consulting with stakeholders; and/or</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Assessing current system training and oversight capabilities, needs, and effective system training.</p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;System implementation activities, such as:</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Building a custom system or implementing a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product to support CACFP integrity;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Packaging and transferring system code from another State agency;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchasing web-based software;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Creating uniform interfaces between diverse systems;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Creating interfaces to improve automation between State and local agencies, including sub-grant awards to SOs;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchasing technology equipment and/or software;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Implementing other innovative solutions to improve program operation accountability, monitoring, data accuracy, and overall program integrity at the State and local levels;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Hiring contractors such as a business analyst, project manager, and/or program developer;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing, including unit testing, integration testing, performance testing, end-to-end testing, user acceptance testing, and regression testing;</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Training for staff and/or local SOs on new technology module(s) or equipment; and/or</p> <p>o&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchasing hardware to implement changes accordingly.</p> <p>Note that while planning activities are allowed, the focus of the project should be to implement an innovative technology solution to support improved CACFP integrity efforts. Planning focused projects will not receive full scores, in accordance with the scoring criteria (See Section 4 – Application Content Information). Routine maintenance and ongoing operations activities are not an allowable cost for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP.</p> <p>Additionally, all grantees are required to include the following activity in their Activities/Indicators Tracker (see Section 4 – Application Content Information):</p> <p><br></p> <p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deliver final project overview presentation. This presentation must be conducted virtually, shared nationwide, and may be posted on CN PartnerWeb.</p> <p><br></p>

Food and Nutrition Service

FY 2026 FDPIR NUTRITION EDUCATION

Food and Nutrition Service

FY 2026 CN Technology Innovation Grant for Child and Adult Care Food Program Integrity

Food and Nutrition Service

<p><span style="color: black;">The goal of the FY 2026 Team Nutrition Training Grant: Growing Healthier Futures is to enhance training for child nutrition professionals to improve meal quality, support wellness policies and nutrition education that emphasize whole, minimally processed foods, and build sustainable infrastructure for NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and CACFP program operators.</span></p> <p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: black;">Applicants have the option of selecting one of the two objectives below. Applicants must select only one (1) grant objective.</span></p> <p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong style="color: black;">Grant Objective #1</strong><span style="color: black;">: Deliver training and technical assistance to child nutrition professionals in the School Meals Programs to improve meal planning and preparation in line with the Dietary Guidelines, while promoting nutrition education and fostering healthy school environments that support nutritious food choices and active lifestyles. Proposals must focus on all three (3) School Meals Programs: NSLP, SBP and SFSP.</span></p> <p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong style="color: black;">Grant Objective #2</strong><span style="color: black;">: Provide training, mentorship, and technical assistance to CACFP providers to enhance meal planning and preparation for children and adults, while delivering nutrition education through multiple channels and promoting healthy food environments at CACFP sites.</span></p>

Food and Nutrition Service

USDA S Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) seeks to enter into a cooperative agreement(s) with an organization(s)/agency(ies) with expertise in working with Tribal communities who can develop, design, and implement an innovative nutrition education project for participants and program staff of the FDPIR. A maximum of $500,000 will be made available for this opportunity for the period of performance from September 2026 to September 2028. The goal for this project is to develop and deliver an innovative nutrition education project. This project will provide participants receiving benefits and services from Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies that administer FDPIR with culturally appropriate nutrition education activities and programming that promote USDA Foods and support Secretary Brooke Rollins priority to strengthen strategies that encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families. The tools and resources developed under this cooperative agreement must align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025 2030 (Dietary Guidelines) and support the efforts of FDPIR program staff in conducting nutrition education activities for FDPIR participants who receive USDA Foods.

Food and Nutrition Service

Executive Summary Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke Rollins, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting State innovation, developing and implementing modernized systems, and minimizing instances of fraud, waste, and program abuse. To advance these priorities, the USDA s Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is excited to announce the availability of $8.7 million to provide competitive grants to State agencies to strengthen the integrity of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through the Technology Innovation Grant for CACFP Integrity (TIG-CACFP), as authorized under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4), States will have the opportunity to design and implement modernized information technology (IT) solutions that improve program operations, enhance accountability, and drive lasting improvements in CACFP integrity. Program Description FNA is investing grant funds to strengthen CACFP integrity and ensure that eligible children and adults who receive care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers receive the full benefit of the program. Recent high-profile fraud cases have demonstrated the urgent need for stronger safeguards to restore and maintain public confidence in CACFP. Although most program operators seek to comply with program rules in good faith, fraud even when infrequent undermines public confidence in government programs and jeopardizes their ability to serve the individuals who are in greatest need of assistance. Accordingly, FNA is committed to supporting State agency efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4) authorized funding for grants to States for the purposes of developing, implementing, and improving modernized information technology (IT) systems used to operate and manage the Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs). In previous years, Technology Innovation Grants (TIGs) have been provided on both a competitive and non-competitive basis. This competitive Request for Applications (RFA) is a new initiative specifically for modernizing systems that operate and manage CACFP to improve program integrity and accountability. State agency applicants should review the RFA thoroughly to ensure full understanding of the updated requirements and procedures. The TIG-CACFP will provide funds to CACFP State agencies for projects to develop, implement, and improve IT systems used to operate and manage CACFP. This grant opportunity is intended to encourage State agencies that administer CACFP to propose innovative technology solutions that improve program integrity, accountability, and efficiencies at both the State and local levels. Further, FNA encourages applicants to propose projects that will support implementation of the CACFP integrity strategies outlined in the February 11, 2026, letter titled Promoting Stronger Program Integrity and Oversight in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). public link: https://www.fna.usda.gov/cacfp/state-integrity-letter Key strategies include: Using the onboarding process to help prevent bad actors from participating in CACFP. Training for institutions in program integrity. Monitoring, investigating, and correcting issues to support effective management of institutions. Using the serious deficiency and suspension process as required. Reviewing reimbursement claims for signs of program abuse. State agencies administering the CACFP maintain automated systems at the State level that rely on operational data from the local levels including, but not limited to, program applications, eligibility certifications, verification, meal counting and claiming, menu planning, program monitoring, and program reporting. CACFP Sponsoring Organizations (SOs) typically use automated systems, manual systems, or a combination thereof to capture the local program data reported to the State agency. In some States, local agencies may be using 30 or more different software systems to submit program data to the State agency. Others still rely on manual, paper-based methods to capture and report Program data or to receive information from the site level. These inconsistencies create duplication of effort, increase the risk of errors, and reduce visibility of program operations for monitoring purposes. The TIG-CACFP can be used to bridge such gaps by modernizing automation, improving the integrity of CACFP and minimizing risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. The TIG-CACFP can be used to bridge such gaps by modernizing automation, improving the integrity of CACFP and minimizing risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. For example, the funds could be used to support activities such as: Enhance automated edit checks to validate data accuracy and consistency across program applications, meal claims, and monitoring reports, reducing errors and strengthening CACFP integrity. Develop seamless interfaces that connect SOs systems with the State system in such a way that they perform seamlessly without duplicating effort yet remain as separate systems. Improve State and SO systems to better comply with USDA/FNA, State, and local requirements by incorporating automated compliance checks, standardized reporting formats, and real-time validation tools. Provide sub-grants to SOs for software to implement automated electronic systems for CACFP. Enhance State and/or SO systems to be able to upload documentation for applications and reimbursement claims, bank records, support disaggregated data, review meal claim forms electronically, improve edit checks, improve record keeping. Create a virtual statewide training system where the State agency provide SOs/sites access to program modules. Expand existing State systems to allow for the routine monthly collection, maintenance, and analysis of facility-level CACFP participation and meal claim records. FNA will expect grantees to share challenges and successes from their projects broadly, so other State agencies can learn from these innovations and potentially adopt similar solutions to strengthen CACFP integrity. As a final deliverable of the grant project, grantees will be expected to virtually present an overview of their project to FNA and State agencies that operate CACFP, highlighting best practices and lessons learned. This presentation will be shared nationwide and may be posted on CN PartnerWeb. Key Objective The Program Objective for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP is to strengthen CACFP integrity by developing, implementing, and improving information technology systems used to operate and manage the program. As noted in Section 4, within the Activities/Indicators Tracker, proposed activities should be clearly aligned to this objective and their associated activities and indicators. Note that if awarded, grantees will be required to report on progress towards activities aligned with the required objective and must use the FNA-908 Performance Progress Report. Carefully considering proposed activities and indicators will prepare grantees for their progress reporting requirements if awarded. Examples of project activities that could be supported by FY 2026 TIG-CACFP funds and support the required objective include, but are not limited to: System planning activities that support implementation of system project within the grant period, such as: o Current IT systems evaluations, including internal reviews and/or hiring a contractor or university student to conduct a review and recommend solutions; o Feasibility studies, including business analysis, requirements analysis, alternative analysis, and cost benefit analysis to plan for an implementation of the system project; o Hiring a staff member, such as a project manager, to oversee planning and implementation activities; o Establishing a project management plan and/or risk management plan; o Preparing a functional requirements specification or document; o Consulting with stakeholders; and/or o Assessing current system training and oversight capabilities, needs, and effective system training. System implementation activities, such as: o Building a custom system or implementing a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product to support CACFP integrity; o Packaging and transferring system code from another State agency; o Purchasing web-based software; o Creating uniform interfaces between diverse systems; o Creating interfaces to improve automation between State and local agencies, including sub-grant awards to SOs; o Purchasing technology equipment and/or software; o Implementing other innovative solutions to improve program operation accountability, monitoring, data accuracy, and overall program integrity at the State and local levels; o Hiring contractors such as a business analyst, project manager, and/or program developer; o Testing, including unit testing, integration testing, performance testing, end-to-end testing, user acceptance testing, and regression testing; o Training for staff and/or local SOs on new technology module(s) or equipment; and/or o Purchasing hardware to implement changes accordingly. Note that while planning activities are allowed, the focus of the project should be to implement an innovative technology solution to support improved CACFP integrity efforts. Planning focused projects will not receive full scores, in accordance with the scoring criteria (See Section 4 Application Content Information). Routine maintenance and ongoing operations activities are not an allowable cost for the FY 2026 TIG-CACFP. Additionally, all grantees are required to include the following activity in their Activities/Indicators Tracker (see Section 4 Application Content Information): Deliver final project overview presentation. This presentation must be conducted virtually, shared nationwide, and may be posted on CN PartnerWeb.

Food and Nutrition Service

The goal of the FY 2026 Team Nutrition Training Grant: Growing Healthier Futures is to enhance training for child nutrition professionals to improve meal quality, support wellness policies and nutrition education that emphasize whole, minimally processed foods, and build sustainable infrastructure for NSLP, SBP, SFSP, and CACFP program operators. Applicants have the option of selecting one of the two objectives below. Applicants must select only one (1) grant objective. Grant Objective #1: Deliver training and technical assistance to child nutrition professionals in the School Meals Programs to improve meal planning and preparation in line with the Dietary Guidelines, while promoting nutrition education and fostering healthy school environments that support nutritious food choices and active lifestyles. Proposals must focus on all three (3) School Meals Programs: NSLP, SBP and SFSP. Grant Objective #2: Provide training, mentorship, and technical assistance to CACFP providers to enhance meal planning and preparation for children and adults, while delivering nutrition education through multiple channels and promoting healthy food environments at CACFP sites.