FY24 Behind the Tray-Food Science for School Meals | USDA FNS FSFORSCHOOLMEALS 24

FY24 Behind the Tray - Food Science for School Meals: FAQs

What is the FY24 Behind the Tray - Food Science for School Meals funding opportunity?

It is a discretionary cooperative agreement offered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under CFDA 10.585. The project supports the development and delivery of a week-long, in-person, science-based food safety education training program for school nutrition professionals.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The goal is to strengthen school nutrition professionals' practical understanding of food science as it applies to school meal programs, with a strong emphasis on food safety and food microbiology.

What kind of training program is expected to be developed and delivered?

The opportunity expects a week-long, in-person training program that is science-based and focused on food safety education for school nutrition professionals.

Is the training required to be in person?

Yes. The opportunity describes the program as a week-long, in-person training and also notes the need for appropriate facilities, equipment, and qualified experts to deliver a hands-on, in-person course.

Who is the intended audience for the training?

The training is specifically for school nutrition professionals who plan, prepare, and manage meals in school settings.

What subject areas should the training cover?

The program is expected to cover core concepts in food science and food processing, with emphasis on food safety principles and food microbiology and how these topics influence real-world decision-making in school kitchens and food service operations.

What is meant by "food science literacy" in this program?

In this context, food science literacy means building participants' understanding of practical food science concepts and their ability to connect those concepts to daily responsibilities in school meal programs, especially around food safety and microbiology.

How should the training connect science concepts to day-to-day school meal operations?

The training is intended to help participants connect scientific concepts to their daily responsibilities, apply what they learn to strengthen their local nutrition programs, and make better informed decisions related to food handling, processing, and safety in school settings.

Does the opportunity emphasize food microbiology?

Yes. Food microbiology is highlighted as a strong focus area alongside food safety, and the training is expected to show how microbiology affects decisions in real school food service environments.

Is improving communication with stakeholders part of the project purpose?

Yes. The training is intended to help participants communicate food safety and food science topics more clearly to stakeholders who may ask questions about handling practices, processing methods, and safety standards in school meals.

Who are considered stakeholders for this training?

Stakeholders can include school administrators, families, local boards, community partners, and others with questions about food handling practices, processing methods, and safety standards in school meals.

Who is eligible to apply for this funding?

Only institutions of higher education are eligible to apply, including public and state-controlled colleges and universities as well as private institutions of higher education.

Are there additional capability requirements beyond being an institution of higher education?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate proven experience and expertise in creating and running in-person adult training programs in food science, nutrition, agricultural science, or related fields, along with access to appropriate facilities, equipment, and qualified content experts for a hands-on, in-person course.

Does the applicant institution need a research track record?

Yes. The institution must have a record of completing rigorous research, demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals in food science, nutrition, agricultural sciences, or similar disciplines.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial federal involvement compared to a standard grant, often including collaboration, coordination, or technical input from the agency during project development and implementation.

How many awards does the opportunity expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates making a single award.

What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $600,000.

What agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 10.585.

What is the application deadline?

The application closing date listed for this opportunity is July 12, 2024.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 13, 2024.

What outcomes is the training expected to support for participants?

Based on the opportunity description, the training is intended to strengthen practical understanding of food science, improve the ability to apply food safety and microbiology concepts in school meal operations, enhance local nutrition programs, and improve communication about food safety and food science with stakeholders.

What types of facilities or resources should an applicant have to be competitive?

The applicant should be able to demonstrate access to appropriate facilities, equipment, and qualified content experts needed to build and deliver a hands-on, in-person training course.

What experience should the applicant be able to demonstrate?

The applicant must show proven experience and expertise in creating and running in-person adult training programs in food science, nutrition, agricultural science, or closely related fields.