Farm to School

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is offering the Farm-to-School Grant Program to enhance connections between schools and local agricultural producers. The initiative is designed to increase the volume and diversity of New York State farm products procured by schools, aiming to improve student nutrition and bolster agricultural education. It further supports the broader goals of the New York State 30% Initiative, which provides increased reimbursement for schools meeting specific local sourcing benchmarks. By fostering relationships between school districts and New York's food producers, this grant encourages systemic change within school food programs and seeks to introduce students to healthier, locally sourced meals. This competitive grant opportunity makes $1.5 million available for eligible entities, with $450,000 reserved for first-time applicants. Awards range from $50,000 to $150,000, and each applicant may apply for one grant during the funding cycle. Funds must be used for projects that significantly increase procurement of New York State agricultural products for use in school meal programs. Eligible expenditures include salaries, training, structural improvements, transportation within the state, and contractor services. However, costs such as food purchases, vehicle purchases, rent, or out-of-state travel are ineligible. Eligible applicants include K-12 school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program, nonprofit schools with meal programs, charter schools, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Public schools are exempt from pre-qualification, but all other applicants must be registered and pre-qualified in the Statewide Financial System. Projects must be completed within a two-year period, beginning September 1, 2026 and ending August 31, 2028. Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System Grants Management System (SFS GM). The application process includes responding to program-specific questions, submitting a project work plan, and detailing a budget. No faxed, mailed, or emailed applications will be accepted. An informational workshop will be held on January 7, 2026, and the deadline for all applications is March 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Department will announce awards in July 2026. Evaluation criteria include project description, clarity and feasibility of the work plan, cost reasonableness, and potential benefits to both farmers and students. Quantitative outcomes such as the projected increase in local food purchases and educational reach will be emphasized. Additional points may be awarded for strong personnel experience and community support, including letters from partners. Awardees will be subject to quarterly and final reporting requirements and are eligible to receive up to 25% of the grant funds upfront. Remaining disbursements will be made via reimbursement, with 10% held until the final report is submitted and accepted. The Department encourages applicants to plan early, especially since registration and pre-qualification can take several weeks. This program is issued regularly and follows a recurring annual cycle.

Start early due to SFS pre-qualification process; public schools are exempt.