Connecting Kids and Farmers
Farm to school makes local food and agricultural education available to child nutrition program participants through grants, research, technical assistance, and training.
New Dietary Guidelines for Americans Final Rule Expands Geographic Preference Options for Child Nutrition Programs
On April 25, 2024, USDA expanded the geographic preference option to make buying local foods for child nutrition program meals simpler than ever. Beginning July 1, 2024, program operators will be able to require in their specifications that foods be locally grown, raised, or caught.
Visit the procuring local foods page to learn more about using the expanded geographic preference option to provide healthy meals that also support local food systems.
Congratulations FY 2024 Farm to School Grantees!
For fiscal year 2024, the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant program is awarding a record amount of funding - $14.3 million, to support 154 grants, serving an estimated 1.9 million students. Learn more about the 2024 Farm to School grantees.
Popular Topics
- Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants
- Farm to School - Planning Toolkit
- Farm to Child Nutrition Programs Planning Guide
- USDA Foods: A Resource for Maximizing Food Budgets To Buy Local Fact Sheet
- USDA DoD Fresh Program: A Source for Locally Grown Produce Fact Sheet
- Agricultural Marketing Service Grants, Loans and Other Support
- Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants
- Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Cooperative Agreements
- CDC: Putting Local School Wellness Policies into Action: Stories from School Districts and Schools
