Written by Corey Ainsworth, Winston Regional Sales Manager.
If you’re a school nutrition director, you know the drill: feed hundreds of students in a tight window of time, using whatever equipment is available, no matter how old, unreliable, or underpowered it might be. At Winston, we see that challenge every day. And we want to help solve it.
That’s why, 15 years ago, we teamed up with the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) to launch the very first equipment grant program for school nutrition. SNF, the charitable arm of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), has always done incredible work, supporting child nutrition professionals through scholarships, education, and leadership development. Adding equipment grants to the mix just made sense.
Since that first grant, the program has grown to include 12 manufacturers and over $600,000 in available equipment, and we’re honored to say we were there at the beginning.
Today, Winston donates approximately $100,000 in new Winston equipment to deserving school systems each year.
Why Do We Invest in School Nutrition Grants?
It’s simple: Winston has always believed in giving back, especially to causes that help end hunger. When one of your core partners is working to make sure kids are fed, stepping up to help isn’t a tough decision.
Even in today’s complicated world, most of us can agree that every child deserves a nutritious, hot meal. Helping schools serve those meals more efficiently is a mission we’re proud to support.
Inspiring Others to Join the Cause
We may have kicked things off, but the credit for growing the grant program goes to the SNF/SNA teams, especially Dana Clerkin and Sherry Carrigan. Their passion and persistence showed other companies just how big an impact a relatively small donation could make.
Our role? We’ve stayed committed from day one, and we help spread the word. The buzz when the grants open and the joy when the winners are announced help keep the momentum going.
Why Winston Equipment Works for K-12 Kitchens
Let’s be real: school kitchens face some pretty unique challenges. You’re working with limited space, tight safety standards, and major time constraints.
That’s where Winston’s CVap® holding cabinets and retherm ovens come in. They’re hoodless, compact, and only need a 3’ x 3’ space and a plug. But don’t let the size fool you. These units deliver unbeatable temperature and texture control, helping you serve high-quality meals consistently, even under pressure.
Reliable equipment means more than just smoother service. It means your menu can shine, and your team can focus on students, not troubleshooting.
What Do We Hope Schools Gain?
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: help schools serve hot, high-quality meals, day in and day out.
We know what happens when equipment starts to fail. Meals suffer, stress skyrockets, and it becomes harder to deliver the kind of food you’re proud of. We want to change that story, one kitchen at a time.
A Reflection of Our Values
This partnership with SNF says a lot about who we are at Winston. It reflects our shared belief in SNA’s mission, feeding kids so they can show up to class ready to learn.
It’s not always about dollars and cents. Sometimes, it’s just about doing the right thing. And we believe supporting school nutrition is one of the most impactful things we can do.
Real Stories, Real Impact
We’ve had the chance to meet some incredible people through this grant program.
Like the team at Marceline R-V Schools, who’ve been producing 220 meals out of a single oven in an old concession stand. You can imagine the difference new equipment will make there.
Or Joann Kirven from Beaufort County Schools, who warmly welcomed us last year. She personally drove me site to site, showed me their decades-old equipment, and shared the very real challenges her team faces every day. (She also gave top-notch recommendations for dinner and lodging along the river – hospitality at its finest!)
Why School Nutrition Matters for the Long Haul
School foodservice operators serve a high volume of meals in a short amount of time, and they do it with care, creativity, and dedication. With the right tools, they can not only serve nutritious meals but also help shape lifelong eating habits that support students’ health well beyond graduation.
Investing in school kitchens isn’t just about the present. It’s about building a better future for foodservice, and for the kids who count on it.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Winston Equipment Grants
Applications for the next round of Winston Equipment Grants open in January 2026. Be sure to watch your email or visit the School Nutrition Foundation website for updates and details.
One important note: While Winston proudly funds these grants, we don’t select the winners. The SNF team handles that process entirely to ensure fairness and transparency.
Want to learn more about how Winston can support your school nutrition program?
Let’s talk. We’re here to help you serve students better; every tray, every day.
