Kitchen Infrastructure and Training and Retention and Recruitment Grant

The Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) and Recruitment and Retention (R&R) Grant, administered by the California Department of Education (CDE), is a state-funded program aimed at enhancing the quality of school meals served through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). On June 27, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 121, which appropriated a total of $155 million from the state's General Fund to support school food operations. This amount is divided into $145 million for the KIT Grant and $10 million for the R&R Grant, both of which will be distributed competitively rather than by formula. The KIT Grant focuses on improving school meal quality through investment in California-grown, whole, minimally processed foods, staff training, and kitchen infrastructure upgrades. Eligible school food authorities (SFAs)—defined in the legislation as public school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools approved to operate NSLP and SBP—can apply for this funding. Funding may be used for procuring sustainably grown and/or organic ingredients from California producers for use in reimbursable meals, supporting staff training to improve the capacity for freshly prepared meals, and upgrading kitchen infrastructure. These upgrades are intended to allow for better meal preparation, reduce food waste, and improve the dining experience for students. A key distinction from previous KIT allocations is the competitive nature of the funding. SFAs must apply using an online application system, and awards will be determined using a funding formula outlined on the program’s “Funding” tab. The KIT Grant also supports salaries and additional compensation related to Universal Meals service, with particular focus on plant-based and diet-specific meal options. Additionally, energy-efficient equipment is encouraged, particularly electric and induction appliances over fossil-fuel based models. The R&R Grant, meanwhile, is specifically intended to enhance the retention and recruitment of school nutrition professionals. With $10 million allocated, this component targets one-time staffing costs such as signing bonuses, training, and schedule adjustments designed to expand access to quality meals. It reflects a broader push to stabilize and professionalize school meal service roles in light of increasing expectations tied to Universal Meals programs. The application deadline for both grants is January 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Awards are expected to be announced on July 1, 2026. The performance period for the awarded grants is nine weeks. For questions regarding the grant, applicants are directed to contact the 2025 KIT R&R Grant Team at 1-916-445-4778 or via email at [email protected]. This opportunity does not appear to recur regularly; no annual or multi-year cycle is indicated in the available information. The competitive nature of this cycle and the legislated appropriation suggest that future offerings are contingent on state budget decisions. Applicants should therefore consider this a unique funding window and plan their submissions accordingly.