The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $12 million in Farm to School Grants this year to 176 grantees, which is the most projects funded since the program started back in 2013. The department is also releasing new data that shows a growth in farm to school efforts across the country. Almost two-thirds (65%) of school districts responsible for school meals participated in farm to school activities during the 2018-2019 school year and more than half (57%) of those began within the past three years.
“Helping schools expand access to healthy, locally grown produce through these grants is just one of the many ways USDA is transforming America’s food system,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Not only will this give children more nutritious food options in school, it supports local agriculture economies while connecting them to the farms and farmers that grow the food we all depend on.”
“The record-breaking Farm to School Grants and new data release today both reflect USDA’s commitment to supporting farm to school efforts as a win-win for all involved,” said Stacy Dean, USDA’s deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services. “We’re excited about the growth in farm to school activity across the country and look forward to seeing the impact of this latest round of grants on children, schools, farmers, and the economy alike.”
This year’s Farm to School Grants will help expand access to local foods and hands-on ag learning for children across the U.S. and the District of Columbia. The awarded projects will serve more than 1.4 million students at over 6,800 schools. Grantees include schools, state agencies, non-profits, tribal nations, agricultural producers and groups, and institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program.
The latest data comes from the 2019 Farm to School Census, which highlighted the impact of farm to school efforts in local communities. In the 2018-2019 school year, school districts bought almost $1.3 billion in local fruits, vegetables, and other foods, totaling 20% of all school food purchases.
Farm to school efforts introduce more locally grown produce into school food programs and expose students to agriculture and nutrition education through hands-on learning.
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