In order to help schools create or strengthen farm to school programs, USDA announced that up to $5 million will be available this school year. The grants will help further USDA efforts to increase locally sourced foods in America’s school meals.  

The USDA’s release cites the 2015 USDA Farm to School Census, saying that schools with robust farm to school programs report reductions in food waste, higher school meal participation rates, and increased willingness of the students to try new foods, notably fruits and vegetables.

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.  A full list of this year’s grantees will be posted online once the selection is announced in spring 2017.