A Research Study of Contaminants in School Meals (U18)
ID: 359278Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Food and Drug Administration (HHS-FDA)

Award Range

$0 - $2M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Food and Nutrition

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359278

Additional Information

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-FD-25-024.html
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is offering a funding opportunity titled "A Research Study of Contaminants in School Meals (U18)" aimed at evaluating the safety and nutritional quality of meals served in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This initiative seeks to identify contaminants, such as heavy metals, in school meals and promote healthier food offerings through structured interventions, requiring eligible schools to demonstrate operational readiness for food service changes starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Up to 20 awards, totaling $20 million for FY 2025, are available, with each eligible school district able to apply for funding up to $250,000 per school or a maximum of $2 million per district. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by July 7, 2025, and can contact Kimberly Pendleton at Kimberly.Pendleton@fda.hhs.gov for further information.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    RFA-FD-25-024.html
    The Department of Health and Human Services is offering a funding opportunity titled "A Research Study of Contaminants in School Meals," designed to evaluate the safety and nutritional quality of meals in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is leading this initiative, which aims to identify contaminants like heavy metals in school meals, promote healthy food offerings, and measure changes in food quality through interventions in participating schools. Each eligible school district can submit one application, with funding available up to $250,000 per school or a maximum of $2 million per district. Up to 20 awards, totaling $20 million for FY 2025, will be granted, with an additional $20 million possible for FY 2026. Applicants must partner with a qualified healthy school foods organization and must demonstrate operational readiness for food service changes starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The application process includes strict adherence to specific submission guidelines, and all proposals will be evaluated for scientific merit based on criteria including significance, approach, partnership qualifications, and sustainability plans. The program emphasizes the importance of reducing ultra-processed foods in school meals to improve overall food safety and nutrition.
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