AGRI Farm to School Grants

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will again make Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education Grants available for schools and early care and education organizations. The MDA will award up to $400,000 to eligible institutions to increase the use of Minnesota grown and raised foods through planning grants, or equipment purchases and physical improvements.

Barb Schank from Waconia Public Schools prepares stuffing for homemade ravioli using their new pasta machine funded by the AGRI Farm to School Grant program.

These grants are designed to help schools and early care and education organizations purchase food processors, cooling and storage equipment, and specialized ovens to make it easier to serve Minnesota grown produce, meat and dairy. Other recipients have utilized grant funds to plan and develop their Farm to School programs by connecting with farmers in their areas, determining how seasonal produce fits into menu cycles, and creating plans and processes to use local foods.

Applications for Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education Grants must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. CST on Nov. 16, 2017. Visit the MDA web page to learn more: AGRI Farm to School Grants