Tuesday, July 14, 2026
USDA Awards $20 Million in Farm to School Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly $20 million through the second round of fiscal year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, completing what the agency said is the largest one-year investment in the program's history.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded nearly $20 million through the second round of fiscal year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, completing what the agency said is the largest one-year investment in the program's history.
The department said 68 projects will receive funding to help farmers, ranchers, producers and fishers supply food for school meal programs, summer meal programs and child care facilities.
"Without a doubt, farm to school is one of the most powerful ways to Make America Healthy Again by bringing real food back to the heart of America's food culture and onto kids' lunch trays," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. "Our historic investment in farm to school projects is a win-win-win for kids, farmers, and communities - students are nourished with farm-fresh, nutrient-rich foods; producers access dependable markets through schools; and local economies are strengthened. USDA is committed to putting American agriculture at the center of our nutrition programs and that starts with our children."
The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program supports the purchase of local food for child nutrition programs and provides educational activities, including school gardens, field trips and taste tests.
Among the recipients, Jefferson County School District in Mississippi will develop a farm-to-school program that includes hydroponic greenhouses, cafeteria food production and partnerships with four local farms. Bryant Public Schools in Arkansas will expand the use of Arkansas-grown specialty crops across its 11 schools.
The USDA announced the first group of fiscal year 2026 grant recipients in April. Since the program began in 2013, the department said it has awarded more than $119 million for more than 1,265 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
The department said 68 projects will receive funding to help farmers, ranchers, producers and fishers supply food for school meal programs, summer meal programs and child care facilities.
"Without a doubt, farm to school is one of the most powerful ways to Make America Healthy Again by bringing real food back to the heart of America's food culture and onto kids' lunch trays," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. "Our historic investment in farm to school projects is a win-win-win for kids, farmers, and communities - students are nourished with farm-fresh, nutrient-rich foods; producers access dependable markets through schools; and local economies are strengthened. USDA is committed to putting American agriculture at the center of our nutrition programs and that starts with our children."
The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program supports the purchase of local food for child nutrition programs and provides educational activities, including school gardens, field trips and taste tests.
Among the recipients, Jefferson County School District in Mississippi will develop a farm-to-school program that includes hydroponic greenhouses, cafeteria food production and partnerships with four local farms. Bryant Public Schools in Arkansas will expand the use of Arkansas-grown specialty crops across its 11 schools.
The USDA announced the first group of fiscal year 2026 grant recipients in April. Since the program began in 2013, the department said it has awarded more than $119 million for more than 1,265 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
