USDA is delivering on its commitment to support child health and American agriculture by opening applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants.
Through this grant opportunity, USDA will invest up to $18 million in farm-to-school projects that connect farmers to USDA’s child nutrition programs through local food procurement, agricultural education, school gardens and more, according to a news release.
New this year, USDA reimagined the Farm to School Grant program, implementing several improvements, including streamlining the application, removing barriers to innovation and emphasizing partnerships to give small family farms the best chance at success.
“Yesterday at the MAHA Report announcement, alongside Secretary Kennedy, we announced one of the key actions USDA has already taken to contribute to making our children healthy again: Farm to School Grants. These initiatives are one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture,” says Secretary of Agirculture Brooke Rollins. “These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is proud to streamline this program, so it works better for families, farmers and communities across our nation. Putting America’s Farmers First starts with putting our children first.”
Since the Farm to School Grant program’s inception in 2013, USDA has awarded a total of $100 million to more than 1,200 Farm to School Grant projects across the country. This year’s grants represent the largest total amount USDA has offered in Farm to School Grants in a single year.
Farm to School Grants support projects that:
- Incorporate more unprocessed, locally sourced foods into meals served at school, summer sites and/or by child care providers
- Provide producers training on procurement requirements and food safety standards to protect child health
- Integrate agricultural education into career and technical programs to support the longevity of America’s agricultural legacy
- Encourage increased consumption of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables
This grant opportunity is open to state and local agencies, Tribes, child nutrition program operators, small-to-medium-sized agriculture producers, groups of agricultural producers and nonprofits. Detailed information about eligibility and application requirements can be found in the request for applications. Applications close Dec. 5.
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