Dean Outlines Farm To School Grants

The USDA recently announced the largest number of school to farm grants in the Department's history. Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacey Dean said $12 million in grants have been awarded to 176 project recipients in 45 states and D.C.

"And these grants are going to serve more than 1.4 million students in 6800 schools," Dean noted.

The project funded by these grants, she added, "supports so many schools and children to connect to local farms."

With examples ranging from students growing their own food at a school garden, to visiting and assisting local producers to learn  where their food comes from. Most of the grantees are school-based projects but  this year we're also going to be able to include our child and adult care food programs; so child care that's run out of the school and the summer food service program. Dean added farmers can be grantees as supply chain providers of produce to local schools.

Several Northwest School Districts and Organizations received funds from the USDA.

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