Food Justice For Kids Prize

Newman’s Own Foundation is committed to transparent and participatory application processes. In 2024, more than 50 reviewers representing different communities, issue areas, and sectors participated in reviewing applications alongside Newman’s Own Foundation staff. 

To assess applications, the reviewers and Foundation staff considered the following elements:

Alignment: Organization/project alignment with the selected priority program area (Indigenous Food Justice or Nutrition Education & School Food)

Evidence of Impact: Demonstrable evidence of past impact and/or potential for future impact, in regard to food justice for kids and the selected priority program area

Innovative Approach: Implementation of a new solution or approach that could improve the status quo with regard to food justice for kids

Community Power: Building power within the communities the project seeks to serve

Ease of Implementation: A realistic plan with clearly defined objectives, adequate resources, the right stakeholder engagement, and a clear path to progress

All applicants were offered the opportunity to meet with Newman’s Own Foundation staff for feedback on their application, regardless of outcome.

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply for the Food Justice for Kids Prize:

501c3 Public Charities

Federally recognized Tribes

Indian Tribal governments (IRS, section 7871)

S. Public Schools and School Districts

S. governmental entities or affiliated organizations that are eligible to receive 501(c)(3) funding

Organizations applying via a 501c3 Public Charity Fiscal Sponsor

Please note, Newman’s Own Foundation does not fund: 

Organizations that discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disabilities

Lobbying or political activities 

Any commercial business

Any litigation that is underway, contemplated, or completed, or organizations that use litigation as a primary tool to carry out their mission 

Other private foundations, type III supporting organizations, or other organizations that require expenditure responsibility by the Foundation. The Foundation may, on occasion, recommend grants to these organizations through a donor advised fund, which will be subject to the DAF’s control and discretion

Direct grants to individuals

Organizations that do not comply with all laws and regulations, including those related to the USA Patriot Act, Executive Order 13224, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury Anti-Terrorist Financing Guidelines: Voluntary Best Practices for U.S. Based Charities. In this regard, the USA Patriot Act prohibits willfully providing funds for terrorism

Specific religious activities or beliefs, or organizations that require adherence to a specific religion or belief

Major research projects

Eligible programs must serve and/or benefit children under 18. 

Projects that focus on youth across a mix of ages, for example 16-24, should specify the number or percentage of children under 18 who are taking part in the project. (Projects that serve a majority of stakeholders over the age of 18 are likely to receive less favorable consideration.) 

Initiatives serving children ages 0-5 are eligible for this opportunity if they align with either the Indigenous Food Justice or Nutrition Education & School Food program areas.

Nutrition Education & School Food: Nonprofits across the country working to ensure all children can access, learn about, and engage with nutritious food at school and in communities. Learn more.

Indigenous Food Justice: Nonprofits, Tribes, and schools working to strengthen food sovereignty and reconnect Indigenous children with their traditional food systems and cultural practices to promote holistic well-being. Learn more.

For the purposes of this application, “Indigenous people” refers to those who are  American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or otherwise Indigenous in the United States or its territories.