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Resource | Policy Using Federal Funds to Purchase Local Foods

The purpose of this memorandum is to remind schools, sponsors, and institutions participating in any USDA Child Nutrition Program, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program for Children , Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Seamless Summer Option , of the many ways they can purchase local foods to serve in program meals.

05/06/2025
Basic page FARMWISE: Farm to CACFP Institute and Learning Collaborative

In cooperation with FNS, Association of State Public Health Nutritionists will administer the first Farm to Child and Adult Care Food Program Institute and Learning Collaborative, called FARMWISE, to advance Farm to CACFP efforts.

08/02/2024
Basic page Farm to School Institute Adaptation Program

In cooperation with FNS, the Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools is hosting the Farm to School Institute Adaptation Program. This program will teach state teams to host their own farm to school institutes. These institutes teach schools and childcare operators how to create and sustain farm to school programs. 

08/01/2024
Basic page Bringing the Farm to School Through New Connections

The National Center for Appropriate Technology and National Farm to School Network will build on the Bringing the Farm to School training program for agricultural producers, like farmers, ranchers, and fishers. In addition to the information in original trainings, it will help agricultural producers meet schools that want to buy local foods.

08/01/2024
Basic page Farmers' Markets Accepting SNAP Benefits

Find farmers' markets that are authorized to accept SNAP benefits during particular months.

07/15/2024
Resource | Federal Register Notices CACFP: Payment Rates and Reimbursement Rates (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)

This notice announces the annual adjustments to the national average payment rates for meals and snacks served in child care centers, outside-school-hours care centers, at-risk afterschool care centers, and adult day care centers; the food service payment rates for meals and snacks served in day care homes; and the administrative reimbursement rates for sponsoring organizations of day care homes, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. 

07/10/2024
Basic page How to Get Your Product Considered for USDA Foods

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods are foods purchased from American farmers, dairies, ranchers, and fisheries to support Federal nutrition assistance programs and American agriculture.

04/04/2024
Basic page Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program

USDA awards the Patrick Leahy Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. The grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.

11/03/2023
Resource | Training and Outreach Procuring Local Foods

The resources on this page will help ensure child nutrition program operators have the resources and knowledge necessary to incorporate local foods into their day-to-day operations. 

10/30/2023
Resource | Training and Outreach Farm to School Resources

Find resources to implement, sustain and maintain your farm to school program. 

10/30/2023
Page updated: October 14, 2021