Resources to bring more local food to your school cafeteria

Current Grant Opportunities

Salad Bars to Schools Grant

Application deadline: Rolling

Salad Bars to Schools (SB2S) is a granting program that provides schools and districts with salad bar equipment and support, such as Cambro bars, camchillers, and technical assistance.

Salad Bars to Schools launched in 2010 with the mission of donating salad bars to U.S. schools so that every child has daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This healthy school lunch initiative was founded by Chef Ann Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, United Fresh Start Foundation, and Whole Foods Market (now represented by Whole Kids Foundation), all in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative.

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Summer Meals Grant

Application timeline: April 28, 2025 to May 15, 2025

Full Plates Full Potential Summer Meals Grant provides financial support to summer meal sponsors to assist with direct expenses related to providing meals to children in their community.

Grants range from $500 to $10,000.

Fuel Up Equipment Grant

Application deadline: TBD

Fuel Up offers equipment grants and school meal implementation resources to support you in the vital work that you do.
Each spring, K-12 schools can apply for an equipment grant to help increase students’ access to, and participation in, nutritious school meals. Fuel Up also offers innovative school meal implementation resources created by, and for, school nutrition professionals.  Sign up here to be notified of Fuel Up opportunities.

Local Food Funds

In 2021, the State of Maine established the Local Foods Fund, a financial resource for public schools to be reimbursed one dollar for every three they spent on local food by the state — such as veggies, cheese, meat, yogurt, beans, tofu, etc. — up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. This year schools will be reimbursed one dollar on every two dollars they spend on local food, up to a maximum contribution of $10,000. Learn more on the Department of Education’s (DOE) website here or reach out to Katie Knowles, Local Foods Fund Coordinator via email: Katie.Knowles@maine.gov