The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is delivering on its commitment to support child health and American agriculture by opening applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 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.
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,” said Secretary 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; and more.
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 on December 5, 2025.
Hoosiers may qualify for free well water testing
FBI joins search for missing Owen County woman
Pair of Parke County Jail inmates facing more charges
Attorney General vows to protect Hoosiers from gas price gouging during temporary gas tax suspension
Rockville Town Board hikes sewer fee, talks irrigation program
Elevated fire weather risk in Central Indiana
All-way stop coming to U.S. 231 and State Road 234 in Montgomery County
Lane, shoulder closures to impact I-74 in Fountain County
Duke Energy reminds residents to call 811 before beginning spring digging projects
Parke County tornado confirmed
Parents offering new alternative for Montezuma Elementary families
Sherlock Holmes to the stage at Parke Heritage this weekend
Indiana AG warns of human trafficking during Final Four
