USDA Awards $12 Million in Farm to School Grants; NW Receives $784K

The USDA is investing $12 million in Farm to School Grants this year. A total of 176 programs were given funds nationwide. When it comes to Farm to School Grants in the Northwest:

Idaho:

• $62,000 will go to Central District Health

Oregon:

• Nearly $100,000 to the Bethel School District in Eugene
• $80,000 to the Lincoln County School District
• $99,000 to the Tigard-Tualatin School District
• $93,000 to Lane County

Washington:

• Nearly $17,000 to the Child Car Action Council of Thurston County
• Nearly $92,000 to the Foundation of District 304 in Sedro Woolley
• $96,000 to the Port Townsend School District
• $98,000 to the Snohomish Conservation District
• $47,000 to the Tilth Alliance of Seattle

The department also released new data demonstrating the recent growth of farm-to-school efforts nationwide. Nearly two-thirds of school districts and/or local entities responsible for school meals participated in farm-to-school activities during school year 2018-2019, more than half of which began within the past three years. In school year 2018-2019, school districts purchased nearly $1.3 billion in local fruits, vegetables, and other foods, totaling approximately 20% of all school food purchases.

This year's Farm to School Grants will help expand the access to fresh, local foods and hands-on agricultural learning for children.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack states, "Not only will this give children more nutritious food options in school, it supports local agriculture economies.”

Click Here for additional details of the award winners in the Northwest.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com