Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Program Funds
** If you’ve receieved the KIT Program Email from Us, You’re eligible for KIT Funding **
Funds must be expended by June 30, 2025!
Assembly Bill 167 (2021, Education Finance: education omnibus trailer bill) appropriated $150 million from the State of California’s General Fund to the California Department of Education (CDE) to fund kitchen infrastructure upgrades, equipment, and food service staff training.
Assembly Bill 185 (2022, Education Finance: education omnibus trailer bill) appropriated an additional $600 million from the State of California’s General Fund to the CDE to continue funding kitchen infrastructure upgrades, equipment, and food service staff training as well to provide funds to support additional staff work related to the implementation of Universal Meals.
Funds are allocated to LEAs (i.e. Local Schools), defined in statute as school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, that sponsor the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
More information on these funds can be found on the web pages below:
Allowable Upgrade Items (Expand)
Cooking equipment and supporting infrastructure system needs, includes but not limited to:
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Oven, range, stove, steamer (list):
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Combi
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Convection
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Conventional
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Conveyor
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Countertop
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Double stack
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Griddle
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Heat-n-hold
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Holding unit
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Induction cooktop
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Range top
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Reel
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Rotating rack
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Tilt skillet
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Exhaust or condensate hood
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Countertop/floor mixer
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Hot or cold cart or cabinet: (list)
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Beverage service
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Buffet
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Holding
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Mobile
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Proofing
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Retherm
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Rolling
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Self-serve
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Serving
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Warming
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Kitchen sink
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Compartment
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Hand
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Utility
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Barbeque
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Braising pan3
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Broiler
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Dough divider
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Food processor
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Food slicer, chopper, dicer, etc.
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Griddle
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Microwave
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Pizza oven
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Produce washers
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Smoothie blender
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Steam jacket kettle
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Bagging machine
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Cook or chill system
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Depositor and filling machine
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Drawer warmer
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Meal or food packing machine
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Shrink wrapper machine
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Stainless steel work tables
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Tray sealer machine
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Dishwasher
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Styrofoam recycling machine
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Electrical, structural, plumbing, and other facility upgrade support
Service equipment, includes but not limited to (list):
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Service lines
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Point-of-sale systems (pin pads, tablets, scanners)
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Mobile carts
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Food display (hot or cold)
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Menu boards (including digital)
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Hot well transport system
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Serving equipment
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Serving line system (hot or cold)
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Speed line (hot or cold)
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Cold pan serving counter
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Steam table
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Plate or tray dispenser
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Salad bar
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Tables or chairs
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Shelving
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Menu planning programs
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Nutrient analysis software
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Online payment systems
Refrigeration and storage, includes but not limited to (list):
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Walk-in refrigerators
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Walk-in freezers
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Blast chillers
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Camchiller
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Combo
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Glass door
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Ice chest
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Milk cooler
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Mobile
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Reach-in
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Roll-in
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Undercounter
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Work-top
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Inventory management systems and software, including items such as scanners, bar code readers, label makers, printers
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Temperature monitoring and management systems and software
Transportation of ingredients, meals, and equipment between sites, includes but not limited to (list):
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Vehicles and equipment to prevent spoilage of food in transit
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Refrigerated truck
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Warmers
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Carts and hand trucks