School Lunch Debt Relief Grants
Applications will require documentation of school meal debt and a personal statement on why your school should be chosen.
Apply Online: March 9th – 18th
Let Zee Zees Grab The Tab
$150,000 In Grants For 2026
Did you know? According to the School Nutrition Association, schools in the United States saw an average increase of 25% in debt from unpaid meals in the last year.
Through the 2026 Grab The Tab School Lunch Debt Relief Grant, Zee Zees and National Food Group will be paying down school meal debt, plus donating Zee Zees snacks for each winner.
We’re here to help families across America who aren’t always able to pay for school lunch, and for their schools who are continuing to ensure they receive a nutritious meal no matter what.
Contest Timeline
From March 9 to 18, 2026, we'll be accepting applications from school districts across the country. Winners will be notified the week of March 30, 2026.
Grab the Tab winners will host a visit from Zee Zees team members for a fun, student-focused event before school lets out for the summer. Please be prepared to host!
- Applications open March 9
- Applications close March 18
- Winners announced week of March 30
- Zee Zees team to visit winners in April & May
Grab The Tabs Rules & Legal Information
For a completed list of Zee Zees Grab The Tab official rules & legal information. Click the button below to download
2025 Grab The Tab Submission Period Has Ended
We are incredibly grateful to all who have joined us in the mission to alleviate school lunch debt for students across the nation. This year's Grab The Tab School Lunch Debt Relief initiative has officially closed.
Congrats To The Recipients
We're thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 Grab the Tab School Lunch Debt Relief Grant. We are honored to be able to help pay down their school meal debts for this school year. No child should go hungry, and we are proud to be able to help where we can.
- School District U-46 (Elgin, IL)
- Columbia Elementary (West Jordan, UT)
- Hillsborough County Public Schools (Tampa, FL)
- (Tinker K-8, Randall Middle School, Newsome High School)
2025 Grab The Tab Winners
- School District U-46 (Elgin, IL)
- Columbia Elementary (West Jordan, UT)
- Hillsborough County Public Schools (Tampa, FL)
2024 Grab The Tab Winners
- Bergman School District (AR)
- Fairview Park City District (OH)
- North Bend High School (OR)
2023 Grab The Tab Winners
- Angleton Jr High & Angleton High School (TX)
- Belmont Career Center (OH)
- Bedford Public Schools (MI)
School Meals:
The Debt Challenge
According to the School Nutrition Association, schools in the United States have seen a significant increase in debt from unpaid meals over recent years. This growing challenge affects students, families, and schools across the country.
Here at Zee Zees and National Food Group, we thought - what can we do?