The Food Justice for Kids Prize 2026 is now open for applications and nominations, offering transformative grant funding of up to $100,000 per organization over two years. This national initiative supports nonprofits, Tribal entities, schools, and school districts across the United States and its territories that are working to ensure every child has access to nutritious, culturally relevant food both in schools and in their communities.
Powered by Newman’s Own Foundation, Humanitix, The Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Hunger to Health Collaboratory, the Prize aims to support innovative projects building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable food system for children.
Why Food Justice for Kids Matters
Across the United States, food insecurity remains a critical and urgent issue affecting millions of children. Today:
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1 in 5 children (14.1 million) live in households without consistent access to nutritious food.
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More than half of U.S. children do not consume enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Food insecurity is strongly linked to developmental delays, anxiety, depression, and long-term chronic health conditions.
For children to learn effectively, grow physically, and thrive emotionally, they must have access not just to food—but to nutritious, culturally meaningful, and sustainable food systems.
The crisis is even more pronounced in Indigenous communities. Centuries of land dispossession and disruption of traditional food systems have led to disproportionately high levels of food insecurity among Native American youth, alongside increased risks of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Revitalizing Indigenous food sovereignty is therefore central to advancing food justice nationwide.
The Food Justice for Kids Prize envisions a country where all children:
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Access nutritious, culturally relevant foods
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Learn about sustainable food systems
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Grow, gather, and cook food
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Experience nourishment physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually
This is the second call for applications following the inaugural 2024 Prize recipients.
Grant Amount and Funding Structure
Selected organizations may receive:
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Up to $100,000 total
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Distributed over a two-year period
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Flexible funding (within program guidelines)
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Support from multiple co-funders
Up to 14 organizations may be awarded.
Funding can support program implementation, policy advocacy, and systemic change initiatives aligned with the Prize’s mission.
Focus Areas for 2026
1. Indigenous Food Justice
This focus area supports projects and policy work that:
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Advance food sovereignty for Indigenous children and youth
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Reconnect children with traditional food systems
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Support gathering, growing, and cooking Indigenous foods
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Restore cultural knowledge related to food
Organizations working with Native communities to rebuild local food systems, preserve cultural practices, and empower youth leadership are strongly encouraged to apply.
2. Nutrition Education & School Food
This focus area supports projects and policy work that:
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Provide nutrition education to children and youth
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Promote culturally relevant and healthy meals in schools
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Integrate local food systems into school programs
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Improve access to school meal programs
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Encourage hands-on food growing and cooking initiatives
This category is not strictly limited to in-school programs; community-based initiatives aligned with school food access are also considered.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Nonprofit organizations
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Tribal entities
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Schools
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School districts
Applicants must demonstrate:
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Alignment with food justice principles
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Innovation in approach
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Evidence of measurable impact
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Clear project goals (including SMARTIE-aligned goals)
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A feasible and well-structured budget
Organizations do not need to be nominated to apply. Nominations do not increase selection chances but help spotlight innovative work.
Key Dates and Timeline
Nomination Period:
February 17 – April 21, 2026 (1:00 PM ET)
Application Period:
February 17 – April 28, 2026 (1:00 PM ET)
Informational Webinars:
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February 27, 2026 – 3:30 PM ET
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March 25, 2026 – 4:00 PM ET
Finalists Notified: End of July 2026
Virtual Interviews: Week of August 10, 2026
Award Announcement & Grant Disbursement: September/October 2026
Prize Recognition Event: October 29, 2026 at the Hunger to Health Collaboratory 2026 Fall Summit in Washington, DC
What Makes a Strong Application?
Successful applications typically demonstrate:
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Clear and innovative program design
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Measurable outcomes and evidence of impact
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Community-rooted leadership
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Cultural responsiveness
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Sustainable long-term change potential
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A realistic, well-documented budget
Policy-focused initiatives are welcome, particularly those improving systemic access to nutritious and culturally relevant food for children.
Applicants selected as finalists will participate in virtual interviews before final awards are determined.
How to Apply or Nominate
Organizations can:
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Submit a direct application before April 28, 2026
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Nominate an organization before April 21, 2026
Informational webinars are available to guide applicants through the process, clarify eligibility, and answer technical questions.
Building the Next Generation of Food Citizens
The Food Justice for Kids Prize is more than a grant—it is an investment in the next generation of food citizens. By supporting projects that combine access, education, culture, and sustainability, the Prize contributes to reshaping how children experience food in schools and communities across the United States.
Organizations dedicated to transforming food systems for children are encouraged to apply and be part of this growing movement for equity, health, and cultural restoration.
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