USDA’s $18M initiative connects local farmers with schools to improve child health and support small family farms.
Washington, D.C., September 10, 2025 – In a significant step toward improving child health and supporting American agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the opening of applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. With an investment of up to $18 million, these grants aim to strengthen connections between local farmers and USDA’s child nutrition programs through initiatives like local food procurement, agricultural education, and school gardens.
This year, the USDA has reimagined the Farm to School Grant program, introducing several key improvements to make the process more accessible and impactful. These enhancements include a streamlined application process, the removal of barriers to innovation, and a renewed focus on partnerships to better support small family farms.
“Yesterday at the MAHA Report announcement, alongside Secretary Kennedy, we unveiled one of the key actions USDA has already taken to contribute to making our children healthy again – Farm to School Grants,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These initiatives are one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture. 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 its inception in 2013, the Farm to School Grant program has awarded over $100 million to more than 1,200 projects nationwide. This year’s $18 million allocation marks the largest single-year investment in the program’s history, underscoring USDA’s commitment to both child nutrition and the agricultural community.
Supporting Farmers, Schools, and Communities
Farm to School Grants are designed to support a variety of impactful projects, including:
Local Food Procurement: Incorporating more unprocessed, locally sourced foods into meals served at schools, summer sites, and child care providers.
Producer Training: Providing farmers with training on procurement requirements and food safety standards to ensure child health and safety.
Agricultural Education: Integrating agricultural education into career and technical programs to sustain America’s agricultural legacy.
Healthy Eating: Encouraging increased consumption of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables among children.
Who Can Apply?
The grant opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants, including state and local agencies, Tribes, child nutrition program operators, small- to medium-sized agricultural producers, groups of agricultural producers, and nonprofits. Detailed eligibility and application requirements are outlined in the request for applications, with submissions due by December 5, 2025.
A Vision for the Future
The Farm to School Grant program represents a vital investment in the health of America’s children and the future of its agricultural industry. By fostering partnerships between schools and local farmers, the USDA is not only ensuring access to nutritious meals but also inspiring the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.
For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the USDA’s Farm to School Grant page. Together, these efforts are paving the way for healthier children, stronger communities, and a thriving agricultural sector.
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