The goal of this initiative is to improve access to locally sourced foods in eligible CNP sites while supporting comprehensive programming that combines local procurement with agricultural education.

This year’s program encourages proposals that align closely with its central objective. Applicants are expected to present clearly defined activities and indicators that support local food sourcing and food education efforts. A well-structured application will not only meet the eligibility criteria but also set the foundation for smooth progress tracking and reporting throughout the grant period.

A wide range of project activities may be supported through this grant. These include piloting new farm to CNP programs, increasing the use of unprocessed or minimally processed local foods in school meals, and offering training to local producers on procurement standards and food safety practices. The program also supports efforts to enhance infrastructure to better accommodate local ingredients and improve the efficiency of distribution channels that bring local food into school systems.

Educational and experiential components are equally prioritized in this grant cycle. Projects may include integrating agricultural education into career and technical programs, developing school gardens or farmers markets, organizing taste tests, and offering farm visits. Other eligible activities include the adoption of culturally relevant agricultural education, particularly efforts that support the intergenerational sharing of Indigenous knowledge, and the creation of integrated curricula that connect classroom learning to nutrition and food systems.

The Farm to School Grant Program is backed by an estimated total program funding of $18 million. Awards will range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $500,000, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed project. This funding is designed to support both emerging and established efforts that contribute meaningfully to local food systems and student wellness.

The program is open to a broad range of applicants, including federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state and local governments, school districts, and qualified nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. By supporting a diversity of stakeholders, the grant aims to build a resilient and inclusive farm to school network that benefits both students and local agricultural communities.

This is a significant opportunity for eligible entities to take meaningful steps toward creating stronger local food systems while educating and nourishing the next generation.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.

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