Opportunities & Engagement

Federal school meal funding opportunity: Apply by Oct. 13

Published Sept. 24, 2026 | By TASN Staff

Texas districts considering a new approach to school meals may want to review a federal funding opportunity with a fast-approaching deadline. Applications for the Defining Evidence for Programs to Ensure Nutrition for Development (DEPEND) school-based demonstration projects are due Oct. 13, 2026.

DEPEND will fund projects that test practical ways to offer healthier meals that students choose and eat. A district might explore changes to purchasing and supply, food production, staffing, student participation or kitchen operations. The program is also intended to learn which approaches can work over time and be useful to other schools.

Who can apply? Public schools, public charter schools, public school districts and school food authorities are eligible. If your team already has an idea it wants to test, review the full funding announcement promptly to see whether the project and application requirements are a fit.

The official DEPEND application page includes the funding announcement and required budget and milestone templates. You can also start at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Real Food in Schools page for an overview and application link. Funding decisions are anticipated Oct. 23.

Review the funding announcement and apply

Questions for TASN? Email [email protected]. For application requirements, consult the official funding announcement.