INDIANA – USDA is excited to continue supporting local foods in schools by opening applications for the 2025 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants.
For the first time, USDA allows organizations to select the type of Farm to School Grant that best fits their needs by offering three different application requests. Each organization can only submit one application for one grant:
- The Implementation Grant ($50,000 to $500,000) supports establishing or expanding comprehensive farm-to-school projects.
- The State Agency Grant ($50,000 to $500,000) helps state-level agencies implement local sourcing and agricultural education activities.
- The Turnkey Grant ($5,000 to $50,000) is for organizations interested in projects related to launching or enhancing farm-to-school activities, agricultural education, or edible gardens.
Applications are due by January 10, 2025.
K-12 schools nationwide serve meals to about 30 million children every school day. These meals provide critical nutrition to children and are the foundation for our nation’s healthier future. Incorporating local foods into school meals boosts nutrition, strengthens supply chains, and supports farmers and producers across America.
Earlier this year, the USDA awarded the 2024 Farm to School Grants, a record-breaking $14.3 million for 154 projects in 43 states, including the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These investments will help 1.9 million children eat more tasty, nutritious foods in school while supporting farmers and producers in their local and regional communities.
More About Farm to School
While serving local foods is an important part of farm-to-school, it can also include activities such as growing a school garden, tasting new foods, and visiting local farms, which provide experiential learning opportunities for children.
The new USDA Farm to School Census reports that participation in farm-to-school activities has grown by 14% since the 2019 Farm-to-School Census. Additionally, school districts with a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price meals are as likely to participate in farm-to-school as lower-need school districts, meaning schools in communities of all income levels enjoy farm-to-school benefits. Learn more about what’s happening with farm-to-school nationwide by visiting the Farm-to-School Census website.
Farm to school is also a team effort. A new FNS report, “Bringing Local Foods to Students: Achievements and Learnings from Farm to School Grantees,” found that the grants led to higher student participation in school meal programs and more collaboration between school, community, and supply chain partners. Read the full report to learn more about the effectiveness of Farm to School Grants.
