Proper nutrition isn’t just part of living a healthy lifestyle—it’s also essential for avoiding obesity and diabetes. Sadly, at least 40 million Americans struggle with diabetes, according to a 2026 report published by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. At Rainbow Chefs Academy, we’re focused on reducing childhood obesity and related diseases. We do that by empowering educators with the right tools and information to impact future generations.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at nutrition education funding that’s available through the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA).
FNA & Nutrition Education
Before discussing specific programs, it’s important to understand the basics about the Food and Nutrition Administration (formerly known as the Food and Nutrition Service). Part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Nutrition Administration aims to nourish those in need through “financially sound programs that promote health and work, as well as champion the productivity of American agriculture.” The FNA accomplishes this goal through a variety of nutrition assistance, child nutrition, and food distribution programs. SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch Program are all FNA nutrition programs.
Despite the recent ending of SNAP-Ed, the FNA still oversees programs that involve nutrition education funding. Two of the most notable programs include:
Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program: According to the FNA’s program overview, this initiative “makes local food and agricultural education available to child nutrition program participants through grants, research, technical assistance, and training.” Schools and districts are specifically mentioned as grantees on the grant program award page. Money received through these grants can be used to support numerous activities, such as offering student taste tests or providing training. For fiscal year 2026, approximately $20 million was awarded to fund dozens of projects across the United States. Download the USDA’s 27-page PDF to see how schools and youth organizations leveraged funds from this program.
Team Nutrition Training Grant: The Team Nutrition Training Grant is another nutrition education funding opportunity. For fiscal year 2026, the USDA plans to award $10 million to state agencies. ”Strengthening nutrition education” is explicitly mentioned as one way that this grant will support state agencies. To learn more about the Team Nutrition Training Grant and sub-grant opportunities, download the USDA’s FAQ PDF.
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Rainbow Chefs Academy is a Supplementary Education Program, accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Contact us to explore partnership and funding opportunities.