Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announces Farm to School Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program will provide schools with funding to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Donor Name: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

State: Pennsylvania

County: All Counties

Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement

Deadline: 06/07/2024

Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000

Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned

Details:

The program aims to bridge the gap between children and the food system by connecting them to the fresh, healthy food available from Pennsylvania agricultural producers in their community and the surrounding areas. Through changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early childhood education sites, children will become more aware and engaged with their local food system as well as empowered to leverage their own consumer influence to support Pennsylvania agriculture.

Funding Information

• $500,000 is available for the Pennsylvania Farm-to-School Grant Program; grants will be awarded on a funds-available basis.
• $15,000 maximum award (75% of project).
• A minimum 25% match cash or in-kind is required (25% of project).
• Grants will be funded as reimbursement grants.
• Projects must be completed no later than June 30, 2026.

Uses of fund

• Training for teachers and staff.
• Procuring local foods for school cafeterias.
• Educational opportunities –
  • Including classroom curricula as well as experiential learning.
  • Providing for family and community involvement in educational opportunities
  • Field trips to local farms or other agricultural operations.
  • School Gardens for the purpose of education or to supply the cafeteria.

Eligible Costs

• PA Agricultural Products (food)
• Supplies
• Personnel
• Travel
• Equipment critical to the project
• Indirect Costs (max 10%).

Eligibility Criteria 

A public school district, charter school or private school with prekindergarten classes, a kindergarten program or elementary school classes through the eighth grade, or center-based preschool that is located and operates within this Commonwealth, may apply for funding. School districts wishing to submit multiple applications must have the individual schools apply. This means that the applicant information must reflect the individual building, not the district or an individual person.

For more information, visit PDA.