National Food Service Management Institute Administration and Staffing Grant

ICN
CFDA 10.587 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$5M FY2026
$5M
FY24
$5M
FY25
$5M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 NFSMI developed and conducted several trainings specifically for the improvement of school programs operations.

Program Objective

The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), formerly known as the National Food Service Management Institute (NFMSI) is part of the School of Applied Science at The University of Mississippi and is the only federally funded national center dedicated to applied research, education and training, and technical assistance for Child Nutrition Programs.
The Institute was established and authorized by Congress, in 1989, and funded at The University of Mississippi in 1991 by a grant administered through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In 1994, the Institute was permanently authorized. The specific duties (described below) of the Institute can be found in section 21 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1769b-1.
The Institute's mission is to provide relevant research-based information and services that promote the continuous improvement of Child Nutrition Programs. The vision is to lead the nation in providing education, research, and resources to promote excellence in Child Nutrition Programs. The Institute serves anyone connected with the Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult Care Food Programs. As a national center, and to fulfill its mission, the Institute develops educational resources and offers training and technical assistance using appropriate technology for child nutrition professionals across the nation and conducts applied research. It is the training and technical assistance arm of the Child Nutrition Programs.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Other

Non-competitive. Appropriated by Congress to provide financial and other assistance to the University of Mississippi, in cooperation with the University of Southern Mississippi, to establish and maintain a food service management institute.

Beneficiaries

  • U.S. Federal Government
  • Department/Agency of U.S. State
  • School District
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Resident/Citizen of U.S. Territory

FNS nutrition assistance program decision makers, FNS nutrition assistance program providers, and children and teachers.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Provided non-competitively every year.

Award Procedure

Applicant must meet the non-competitive grant and cooperative agreement submission requirements for completeness and conformity in a grant application, statement of work and budget. FNS will determine the technical merit of each grant and cooperative agreement application, approve, and then award funds.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 30 to 60 days
  • Appeal: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance

Description

This grant awards congressional directed funding. ICN staff conduct research, develop training and resource materials in various formats, and deliver training across the United States (U.S.) and its territories. Additionally, the ICN provides information services, produces scholarly and technical publications, preserves historical collections on school meals, and serves as an expert consultant in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), State agencies, and allied professional organizations. ICN staff works with the National Advisory Council (NAC) and other stakeholders to strategically plan activities, ensuring the Institute’s continued success in delivering high-quality resources and services to CNP stakeholders nationwide.

Mission Categories

Primary: Food and Nutrition for Children

Other categories:
Food Security

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funding is provided to a university or organization to achieve the objectives of the grant. The university or organization may award sub-grants to obtain the expertise and skills needed to accomplish the objectives. Guidance on restrictions is set forth in the grant document.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Melissa Rothstein — Deputy Administrator, Child Nutrition Programs
7033464484
Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22313
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-03. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:37:34.