Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, supports schools and early learning centers in connecting children with healthy, locally produced foods and agricultural education experiences. The initiative is part of the Commonwealth’s broader effort to strengthen local food systems, increase awareness of Pennsylvania agriculture, and build long-term demand for local farm products. Funding is available to public school districts, charter schools, private schools serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, and center-based preschools located and operating within Pennsylvania. The program’s purpose is to encourage institutions serving young students to integrate fresh, local foods into meals and educational activities. Eligible projects may include the procurement of local foods for cafeterias, training for teachers and staff, creation or enhancement of school gardens, educational field trips to local farms, and development of classroom curricula that promote understanding of local food systems. Schools are also encouraged to include family and community engagement components that support experiential learning around agriculture and nutrition. Applicants may request up to $15,000 in funding, which can cover no more than 75% of total project costs. A minimum 25% cash or in-kind match is required. The match may be composed of direct financial contributions, in-kind labor, or donated materials. Funds can be used for eligible expenses directly supporting the educational and procurement goals of the grant, but state funds cannot be used as matching contributions. The Department will reimburse up to 75% of documented local food purchases or related educational activities, in accordance with state procurement rules. Applications open Monday, September 29, 2025, and close Friday, November 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. All applicants must complete and upload the official Farm to School Application Template (PDF) and Budget Template (Excel) via the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance web portal. Only digital submissions using the prescribed templates will be accepted; scanned or altered documents will render an application ineligible. Applicants must ensure that the signatory authority’s email address matches the Keystone Login credentials associated with the submission. Evaluation is based on clarity of project design, educational and nutritional impact, feasibility of implementation, and alignment with program goals. Technical assistance will be available during the application window through webinars and open office hours hosted by the Pennsylvania Farm to School Network. Award announcements are expected in early 2026, with funded projects typically running during the 2026 school year. The program is offered annually, and recurring opportunities are anticipated. For inquiries, applicants may contact Shane Kaplan at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Market Development, via email at shkaplan@pa.gov or RA-AGFARMTOSCHOOL@pa.gov, or by phone at 717-307-3253. Questions regarding the Single Application system may be directed to the Department of Community and Economic Development help desk at 800-379-7448 or RA-dcedcs@pa.gov.

Ensure funds requested match across all sections; PA-only sourcing; use Keystone Login for authorized signatory.