The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide $5 million in grants to help schools create or strengthen farm to school programs this school year. Administered by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, these annual, competitive grants will help increase locally sourced foods in America’s school meals.
Awards this year will range from $20,000 to $100,000 in four different grant categories: Planning, Implementation, Support Service, and Training. Applications are due on grants.gov by December 8, 2016.
FUNDING USES
The grant program funds school districts, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations to increase local foods served through child nutrition programs, teach children about food and agriculture, and develop schools’ and farmers’ capacities to participate. The funds may be used for:
- training
- supporting operations
- purchasing equipment
- developing school gardens
- developing partnerships
- implementing farm to school programs
For more information on how to apply for FY 2017 funding, visit the grant opportunities page. For lists of previously funded projects and summary reports of awards made in FY 2013-2016, visit the grant awards page.
