How could the food that kids eat at school become more local,
more nourishing and more loved?

The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub funds community-driven collaborations that reimagine school meals.

2025 Spark and Innovation Collaborative Awards recipients have been announced and their projects will begin August 15th, 2026. Another round of Spark Award applications will open October 30th, 2026.

Illustration of a bowl of noodles, a butterbut squash, a loaf of brown bread, two strawberries and a tamale
Picture of a girl with brown hair, holding an apple and smiling

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Every school day, millions of kids eat breakfast and lunch at school. Together we are ensuring that these meals reflect our region’s rich traditions and abundant harvests.

The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub is a USDA-funded, grant-making initiative working across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin to fuel change for our region’s school food system.

If you are working in our local food system as a farmer; food producer, supplier or distributor; educator; or nonprofit partner, please check back October 30th, 2026 to apply for a grant!

Learn about the Grantees

Transcription (English)

View Video in Spanish | Hmong

Explore Stories of Innovation
4 states
16 Innovative Projects
344 Schools impacted

We're Here to Help!

Whether you’re in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin, your State Lead can support your application and help answer questions about eligibility, forming a partnership, financial procedures and more.

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