Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture have announced the allocation of $564,267 in grant funding to assist schools statewide in improving nutrition programs. The grants aim to increase access to nutritious meals, expand the use of Arkansas-grown products, and boost participation in school breakfast and lunch programs.
"Student learning and success don’t happen without consistent access to healthy, nutritious meals," said Sanders in a statement. "Last year, we made school breakfast free for every Arkansas public student and launched Arkansas Plate to feature more Arkansas-grown products on their trays. I’m proud to build on that work with these grants, helping schools serve more nutritious meals and partnering with the local farmers who help feed our nation."
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward highlighted the dual benefit of these grants. "Providing schools with the equipment they need to serve nutritious meals is an investment in both Arkansas students and Arkansas agriculture," Ward said. "These grants will help schools expand participation, improve meal quality, and further incorporate Arkansas products into their menus."
The funding will be distributed through two programs open to school administrators and nutrition directors. Applications for the Breakfast Equipment Expansion Grant are due by November 6, 2026, while applications for the USDA Equipment Assistance Grant must be submitted by November 20, 2026. Eligible schools must participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
The grants will fund equipment to improve meal preparation, storage, transportation, and service while promoting the use of products grown, raised, or processed in Arkansas. Specific equipment eligible for funding includes:
- Blenders and freezers for smoothies using Arkansas-grown produce. - Ovens, warmers, and rice cookers for breakfast bowls made with local ingredients. - Refrigerated storage and prep equipment for fresh fruits and vegetables. - Tools that enhance food safety, improve energy efficiency, and ensure high meal quality.
Awardees will be chosen through a competitive evaluation process based on project impacts, equipment needs, food safety, breakfast program expansion, use of Arkansas products, and service to students with the greatest need. Recipients will also receive training and technical support to help implement the improvements.
This funding builds on the free breakfast initiative launched in 2025 for all Arkansas public school students, which Sanders credits with enhancing educational performance by ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals. The program also aligns with state efforts to promote Arkansas agriculture by integrating locally sourced food into school menus.