The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 established the Farm to School Program in order to assist eligible entities, through grants and technical assistance, in implementing farm-to-school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools.
This year, three types of farm-to-school grants will be available: planning grants, implementation grants and support service grants. Planning grants are intended for schools just getting started on farm to school activities, while implementation grants are available for schools seeking to augment or expand existing efforts. Additionally, eligible non-profit entities, Indian tribal organizations, state and local agencies, and agriculture producers or groups of producers may apply for support services grants in order to conduct trainings, create complementary curriculum, or further develop supply chains, among other activities. In total, $5 million in grant money will be available.
Maine schools have started to source more foods locally and to provide complementary educational activities that emphasize food, farming and nutrition. The Farm to School Program or, in Maine, Local Foods for Local Schools, enriches children’s bodies and minds while supporting local economies.
Proposals are due by midnight EST, April 24, 2013. In all cases, a 25 percent cash or in-kind match of the total project cost is required.
For more detailed information, please visit the USDA Farm to School website.
More information
- Walter Beesley
Child Nutrition Services
207-624-6843
walter.beesley@maine.gov