09/17/2026
If you are interested in this opportunity, check out our website to download the application and toolkit. https://ncdhd.ne.gov/post/healthier-choices-can-be-part-of-game-day
New grant to bring healthier options to school concession stands in north-central Nebraska
O’NEILL, Neb. — Families attending school sporting events in north-central Nebraska could soon have more healthy food options to choose from, thanks to a new grant program.
The North Central District Health Department has launched the Healthy Concession Stand Mini Grant, which will provide schools with funding to offer healthier choices at their concession stands.
Schools can apply for up to $1,000 in equipment funding, $350 in project support, or both.
The program is open to schools in Antelope, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, Pierce and Rock counties.
“This isn't about taking away the traditional concession stand experience,” said Heidi Kuklis, health director at NCDHD. “It's about making sure that families, student athletes, and the elderly grandparents and neighbors who come out to support them all have at least a few genuinely healthy options available, no matter how long they're at the event.”
NCDHD said concession stands were once primarily a place for an occasional treat. But many school sporting events and community gatherings now last all day or even multiple days, meaning families may rely on concession stands for full meals.
The grant is designed to help schools respond to that change by making healthier food choices more available to everyone attending events.
NCDHD is encouraging community members to contact their local schools and encourage them to apply.
Applications are due Sept. 30.
