Overview

Innovate with Dairy funding is generously provided by the dairy farm families in Minnesota to provide equipment for new service model options for Minnesota schools including guidance, tools, and resources to ensure success. 

Eligibility

• To be eligible to receive grant funding, your school must participate in the National School Lunch program.
• Schools will be evaluated to receive grant funding based on a variety of factors including the strength of the program, enrollment, Free and Reduced rate, and potential for dairy sales impact with equipment investment.
• Expectation is the new service model and equipment will be implemented no later than Oct 1, 2022.
• When a grant is approved, it is essential that the grantee also accept terms and conditions set forth in the Midwest Dairy “letter of agreement.”
• Midwest Dairy will purchase all equipment packages upon approval.
• The district will assume ownership of the equipment once delivered and is responsible for all maintenance and future disposal as needed.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling calendar basis on the 15th of each month starting February through June or until the funds have been depleted. Approvals/notifications will be made by the end of each month.  

How to Apply

• Step 1 - To start or access your application, enter your school’s ZIP code, click the Enter button, select your school from the drop-down list, then click the Continue button to go to the next step.
• Step 2 - Select the program you’d like to implement. Equipment packages include Coffee Beverage Station, Bulk Milk Dispenser, or Yogurt Smoothies. Check out package and program details on our website before you apply.
• Step 3 - Please complete all 3 tabs of the application before submitting. You can also click the Save button at the bottom of the page and return later to complete your application.