The Department is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the 2026 Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program.
Donor Name: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
State: New York
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/12/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
The objective of the New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program is to increase school’s purchase of New York farm products by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences.
Goals
Some of the relevant obstacles, considerations, or challenges in achieving the Farm to School Program goals are:
- Seasonality of crops
- Navigating a variety of procurement requirements
- Inconsistent quality, quantity, and sizing
- Processing and packaging
- Bidding: sending and reviewing bids
- Delivery/pick up
- Lack of equipment and skills to store and prepare unprocessed foods
- Connecting diverse populations with their culturally appropriate foods.
- Lack of training and workforce development for culinary staff.
Funding Information
- A total of $1,500,000 is available for the Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program. $450,000 will be set aside for first-time recipients.
- Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $150,000. Applicants may apply for only one grant per funding period. Applicants must apply for $50,000 to $150,000.
Grant Period
September 1, 2026, and ending August 31, 2028.
Eligible Costs
Grant funds may be used for any of the following purposes directly related to completion of an eligible project, including but not limited to:
- Salaries and wages including fringe benefits
- Contractor services
- Staff training
- Permanent physical/structural improvements
- Insurance and permits (excluding permit to operate a farmers’ market at proposed location)
- Transportation costs within NYS (including the leasing of a vehicle within the contract period)
- Supplies and equipment (must be directly related to the project).
Eligibility Criteria
- K-12 School Food Authorities receiving National School Lunch Program funds
- Not-for-profit K-12 Schools not participating in the National School Lunch Program, but still operating a school food program
- Charter schools
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indian tribal organizations.
For more information, visit DAM.
