USDA to Invest Up to $18 Million in Farm to School Grants

USDA announced last week the expansion of the Farm to School Grant program.  The Department said this move will result in invests of up to $18 million to connect locally grown food to child nutrition programs.

The Farm to School Grant announcement was made alongside U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s latest Make America Healthy Again report, which called for more whole, unprocessed foods in children’s diets.

The Grants Will Open New Doors For Small Farms, Rollins Noted

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said the grants are “one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture.”

“These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools, and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers,” Rollins said.

What Is USDA Looking For?

State agencies, tribal organizations, child nutrition programs, nonprofits, agricultural producers and groups of producers can apply for grants from $100,000–500,000 to support new and existing farm-to-school projects.

Farm to School Grants support projects that:

• Incorporate more unprocessed, locally sourced foods into meals served at school, summer sites, and/or by child care providers;
• Provide producers training on procurement requirements and food safety standards to protect child health;
• Integrate agricultural education into career and technical programs to support the longevity of America’s agricultural legacy;
• Encourage increased consumption of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables; and more.

Applications are due December 5th.  Click Here to learn more about the Farm to School program.

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