Expanded Grants Set To Bring Locally Grown Food To Schools

(KDLM/MNN) – Minnesota school districts can now apply for funding to increase their purchase of fresh, locally grown, nutritious foods in school meal programs.

“We actually have about $3.5 million available for schools throughout the state to purchase local Minnesota-grown and raised food,” says Emily Mehr with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “In addition to that, we also have almost $750,000 for those schools to purchase kitchen equipment that they will use to support their Farm to School efforts.”

These grants will help to strengthen our state’s local and regional markets, support small and emerging farmers, and ensure our kids are eating the freshest, most nutritious food our state can offer.

“Eligible food items would be unprocessed foods that were grown in the state of Minnesota” adds Mehr. “So that would be anything that would be fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, cheese products… things like that.”

This year, applicants for both the First Bite and Full Tray grants may also apply for up to $35,000 for equipment purchases. All Farm to School grant applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022.