LFSCC Community Supported Agriculture Grant

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) administers the LFSCC Community Supported Agriculture Grant to enhance access to Vermont-grown foods in early childhood education (ECE) settings. This initiative is a component of the Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Program, and it supports the distribution and utilization of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares in ECE programs. Funded through a one-time appropriation by the Vermont State Legislature, this grant addresses the gap created by the end of USDA's Local Food for Schools and Child Care (LFSCC) funding in March 2025. VAAFM has invested significantly in Vermont's food system since 2006, awarding over $2.4 million to more than 300 schools and ECE providers. The purpose of the grant is to enable Vermont-based ECE providers and nonprofits to procure CSA shares from local Vermont farms or farm/producer collaboratives. The food distributed must meet the Vermont local food definition. Applicants may apply individually or as part of a group. Group applications, led by a nonprofit or an ECE provider serving as a fiscal agent, are encouraged to maximize impact. Each ECE partner must provide a signed letter of commitment that details their farm partnership, logistics, and plans for food use and education. Fiscal agents are responsible for managing funds and documentation, with flexibility allowed in fund disbursement and farm partnerships. Eligible projects must provide local food CSA shares to Vermont ECE programs, with clear identification of participating providers and partner farms. Projects must also demonstrate collaboration efforts. Ineligible projects include those that do not increase local food served to Vermont children, use out-of-state farms, or purchase food not aligned with local food definitions. Allowable expenses are limited to local food purchases and indirect costs up to 15%, while items like equipment, travel, and non-local food are not permitted. The application process requires registration in the WebGrants portal and submission of a detailed application including provider letters, a CSA budget supplement, and organizational background. Submissions must be made by November 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM. An optional applicant webinar was held on October 16, 2025, to guide applicants. The application review will be conducted by a committee from various Vermont agencies and stakeholders, using standardized criteria for evaluation, focusing on project proposal strength, collaboration, and budget clarity. Award notifications are expected in February 2026. Grantees may begin projects as early as mid-March or April 2026, with completion required by December 31, 2026. Interim reports are due by June 30, 2026, and final reports must be submitted by January 30, 2027. Payments are typically issued 100% upfront, contingent upon submission of required documentation including a W-9 and a certificate of insurance listing the State as an additional insured. The grant is non-recurring but supports initiatives that build sustainable local food networks in early childhood settings.

Group applications involving multiple ECE providers are prioritized; complete letters of commitment and accurate CSA Budget Supplement are essential for competitiveness.