Startup and Expansion Grant for At-Risk Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs

The Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs is offering over 562,000 dollars in Startup and Expansion Grants for the 2025-2027 biennium to support At-Risk Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs. These grants are available to eligible sponsors and partners, including Oregon public school districts, government agencies, community-based organizations, and non-profit organizations. The primary objective is to reimburse grantees for eligible expenses that facilitate expanded access and increased participation in the Summer Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk Afterschool Program, and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option. The performance period for the grants runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Eligible funds may be used for purchasing or upgrading food service and sanitation equipment, meeting sanitation compliance requirements, and funding participant outreach and enrichment activities. Applicants must submit their proposals via the designated Smartsheet Application by the March 31, 2027, deadline. Awards are based on a scoring methodology that evaluates the use of grant funds, the potential for increased program participation, and the long-term sustainability of the program after the grant period ends. Grantees are required to develop a detailed project plan for agency approval and must adhere to USDA regulations, federal civil rights policies, and generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, any digital content produced must meet strict accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.0 Level AA and Section 508 compliance.