The US Department of Agriculture is opening applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. Through this grant opportunity, USDA will invest up to $18 million in farm to school projects that connect farmers to USDA’s child nutrition programs through local food procurement, agricultural education and more.

New this year, USDA reimagined the Farm to School Grant program, implementing several improvements, including streamlining the application, removing barriers to innovation, and emphasizing partnerships to give small family farms the best chance at success.

"These initiatives are one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture," said Secretary Brooke Rollins. "These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools, and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers."

Since the Farm to School Grant program’s inception in 2013, USDA has awarded a total of $100 million to more than 1,200 Farm to School Grant projects across the country. This year’s grants represent the largest total amount USDA has offered in Farm to School Grants in a single year.

Farm to School Grants support projects that incorporate more unprocessed, locally sourced foods into meals served at school, summer sites, and/or by child care providers; provide producers training on procurement requirements and food safety standards to protect child health; integrate agricultural education into career and technical programs to support the longevity of America’s agricultural legacy, and more.

This grant opportunity is open to state and local agencies, tribes, child nutrition program operators, small- to medium-sized agriculture producers, groups of agricultural producers and nonprofits. Detailed information about eligibility and application requirements can be found in the request for applications. Applications close Dec. 5, 2025.

Source: USDA