Secretary Rollins Highlights New Opportunities for Farmers Through Farm to School Grants
- by AGC News
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened applications for its Fiscal Year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, expanding efforts to boost child nutrition and support local agriculture. The USDA is investing up to $18 million in projects that connect America’s farms to child nutrition programs through initiatives like local food procurement, school gardens, agricultural education, and more.
What’s New This Year
USDA has revamped the Farm to School Grant program to make it more user-friendly and accessible, especially for smaller and family-run farms. Key improvements include:
Simplified application process to reduce administrative burdens.
Fewer barriers to innovation, allowing for more creative approaches.
Emphasis on partnerships, so farms, schools, nonprofit organizations, and tribes can work together more effectively.
What the Grants Support
Projects awarded under this grant program can include:
Serving more locally sourced, unprocessed foods in school meals, summer feeding sites, and child care facilities.
Training producers in required procurement rules and food safety to ensure children’s health.
Integrating agricultural education into school curricula and career/technical programs.
Encouraging greater consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Who Can Apply & Important Dates
Eligible applicants include:
State and local agencies
Tribal nations
Child nutrition program operators (e.g., schools or child care providers)
Small-to-medium agricultural producers or groups thereof
Nonprofit organizations
Applications are due December 5, 2025.
Why This Matters
Since the program began in 2013, more than $100 million has been awarded to over 1,200 Farm to School projects nationwide. The FY2026 grants mark the largest single-year funding the USDA has offered under this program.
Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that this initiative puts American farmers first—while also ensuring children have access to nutritious, wholesome food. By strengthening links between local producers and child nutrition systems, the program contributes both to healthier kids and more robust local agricultural economies.
