The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, aiming to strengthen child health and support American agriculture. Through this initiative, the USDA will invest up to $18 million in projects that connect farmers to child nutrition programs via local food procurement, school gardens, agricultural education, and related activities. The program seeks to expand access to nutritious meals for children while promoting local farming and agricultural learning opportunities.
For FY 2026, the USDA has reimagined the Farm to School Grant program by streamlining the application process, reducing barriers to innovation, and emphasizing partnerships that give small family farms a greater chance of success. Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted that these grants will help deliver high-quality meals to children, support local agriculture, and inspire the next generation of American farmers, emphasizing the USDA’s commitment to putting children and farmers first.
Since its inception in 2013, the Farm to School Grant program has awarded over $100 million to more than 1,200 projects nationwide. The 2026 grants represent the largest total funding offered in a single year, reflecting the USDA’s dedication to expanding the program’s impact.
The grants support initiatives that incorporate locally sourced, minimally processed foods into school meals, provide producers with training on procurement and food safety, integrate agricultural education into career and technical programs, and encourage greater consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eligible applicants include state and local agencies, Tribes, child nutrition program operators, small- to medium-sized agricultural producers, producer groups, and nonprofits. Applications for the FY 2026 grants close on December 5, 2025, with detailed eligibility and application information available in the official request for applications.
Related Posts
