FY 2015 Professional Standards Training Grants
Request for Applications: 2015 Professional Standards Training Grants (CFDA#: 10.547)
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 (PL 111-296) made significant changes to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs in all aspects of program administration. These changes require that school nutrition personnel at every level of administration have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to properly operate and oversee the programs. Among these requirements, Section 306 of the Act directed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish minimum national professional standards for all school nutrition employees who manage and operate the School Meal Programs.
Establishing professional standards will ensure that school nutrition personnel have the knowledge and training necessary to perform their duties and responsibilities effectively. The professional standards rule is effective July 1, 2015 and institutes hiring standards for the selection of state and local school nutrition program directors, and requires all personnel in the school nutrition programs to complete annual continuing education/training. These regulations are expected to result in consistent, national professional standards that strengthen the ability of school nutrition professionals and staff to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
This RFA is for a New Program and is a current fiscal year funding opportunity to facilitate and support increased training efforts, including the future Professional Standards requirements. FNS is offering grants to state agencies to develop and implement training programs for school nutrition personnel.
Critical Dates
Feb. 27, 2015 | RFA Release Date |
April 14, 2015 | Letter of Intent Deadline |
June 8, 2015 | Application Submission Deadline |
Sept. 30, 2015 | Award Date |
Who May Apply
Only state agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may apply. Eligible applicants may only submit one application package in response to this solicitation.
Application Due Date
The complete application must be uploaded to www.grants.gov by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on June 8, 2015. Applications received after the deadline date will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed or considered. USDA will not consider any additions or revisions to an application once it is received. USDA will not accept mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications.
- Press Release: USDA Announces Grants to Support Updated Professional Standards in School Nutrition Programs
- State Agency Proposals
- Start the Application Process