Farm to school efforts link local producers with schools and other organizations participating in child nutrition programs working to purchase and include locally grown fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, and seafood in program meals, as well as efforts that include hands-on education, school gardens, taste tests, farm field trips, and integrating food-related education into classroom curriculum.
Key Documents
Webinars
Eligibility
Local government agencies, such as city and county government agencies, are not eligible to apply to the State Agency track but may apply for the Implementation or Turnkey track.
Highest priority given to funding projects that:
- Make local food products available on the menu of the eligible school;
- Serve a high proportion of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches;
- Incorporate experiential nutrition education activities in curriculum planning that encourage the participation of school children in farm and garden-based agricultural education activities;
- Demonstrate collaboration between eligible schools, nongovernmental and community- based organizations, agricultural producer groups, and other community partners;
- Include adequate and participatory evaluation plans;
- Demonstrate the potential for long-term program sustainability; and,
- Meet any other criteria that the Secretary determines appropriate.
How To Apply: To apply, visit Grants.gov and follow the instructions found in the FY2023 RFA.
Contact: farmtoschool@usda.gov