New Grants Help Schools Bring Local Food To Minnesota Schools

Agriculture is one of the main bloodlines of Minnesota. Supporting our farmers in all they do is one of the most important responsibilities Minnesotans have, and now the state is stepping up to help as well. 

Home Grown Offerings Being Made Available

Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced that they are accepting applications for the farm to school food program. Minnesota schools, early childhood education centers, licensed in-home childhood providers who want to provide locally sourced meals to their students and in their facilities. 

The Department of Agriculture says they expect to payout over $1.35 million dollars through this program in Fiscal year 2026. The thought is they will extend $200,000 to the Local Tots Cost-Share program, with the additional funds to go to cover grants for the First Bite Program, Full Tray and to buy equipment. 

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The First Bite Farm and Early Childhood Grant is for Minnesota K-12 School Districts and Early Childhood Education Centers that have no experience in buying local foods but want to grow in the experience can apply for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $5,000 in funding with no match requirement. 

The Full Tray Farm to School and Early Care Grant is designed for school districts and early childhood care centers around the state that have already been supplying locally sourced foods and want to expand their offerings.  Applicants can apply for up to $35,000, based on the number of meals they serve as part of the federal meal programs. 

For those licensed in-home childcare providers that want to participate can apply for funding through the Local Tot's Cash Share Program. 

All the details can be found from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture here. 

This is a step to better serve our students and support our farmers all at the same time.