In a landmark move to enhance nutritional education and support local agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a record-breaking investment of $143 million in Farm-to-School grants. This unprecedented funding aims to connect schools with local farms, ensuring that students have access to fresh, healthy food while fostering educational opportunities and supporting regional farmers.

The Farm-to-School program, established by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, has been instrumental in integrating local foods into school cafeterias, enriching students’ diets, and providing hands-on agricultural education. The new funding, announced on June 24, 2024, represents the largest single investment in the program’s history, reflecting the USDA’s commitment to expanding the reach and impact of farm-to-school initiatives.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the program. “Farm-to-School programs are a win-win for our children and our farmers. They provide students with nutritious, locally-grown food and offer farmers a reliable market for their products. This record investment underscores our dedication to improving child nutrition and strengthening local economies,” Vilsack said.

The $143 million will be distributed through competitive grants to schools, non-profits, state and local agencies, agricultural producers, and other organizations involved in farm-to-school activities. These grants will fund projects that increase the availability of local foods in schools, enhance food and agricultural literacy among students, and develop innovative farm-to-school partnerships.

One of the key goals of the funding is to expand access to fresh, locally sourced food in school cafeterias. Schools will be able to purchase a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and other farm products, ensuring that students receive nutritious meals that support their growth and learning. Additionally, the program will provide resources for schools to establish or expand school gardens, where students can learn about agriculture and the origins of their food.

The grants will also support educational initiatives that teach students about nutrition, agriculture, and food systems. By incorporating agricultural education into the curriculum, schools can foster a deeper understanding of healthy eating habits and the importance of sustainable food practices. “Educational components are crucial to the success of farm-to-school programs,” noted Cindy Long, Administrator of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. “When students learn where their food comes from and how it’s grown, they are more likely to make healthier food choices.”

The investment will further benefit local farmers by providing them with stable, reliable markets for their products. This support is especially vital for small and mid-sized farms that often struggle to compete with larger agricultural operations. By selling directly to schools, these farmers can secure fair prices for their produce and build stronger connections within their communities.

One example of the impact of farm-to-school programs is seen in Burlington, Vermont, where the Burlington School Food Project has successfully integrated local foods into school meals and educational programs. With previous USDA grants, the project has established school gardens, partnered with local farms, and developed a comprehensive curriculum that includes nutrition education and hands-on agricultural experiences. “The support from the USDA has been transformative,” said Doug Davis, Director of Food Services for Burlington School District. “Our students not only eat healthier but also gain invaluable knowledge about food and agriculture.”

In addition to supporting individual schools and districts, the USDA’s investment will fund statewide and regional projects that promote farm-to-school activities on a larger scale. These projects may include developing regional food hubs, providing training and technical assistance to farmers and school food service staff, and creating networks that facilitate the exchange of best practices and resources.

The record-breaking investment in farm-to-school grants is part of the USDA’s broader efforts to improve child nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. In recent years, the department has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing food insecurity, supporting local food systems, and promoting healthy eating habits among children. This latest funding announcement builds on those efforts, demonstrating the USDA’s ongoing commitment to these critical issues.

As the Farm-to-School program continues to grow and evolve, the USDA remains focused on its mission to connect schools with local farms, enhance nutritional education, and support the development of healthy, sustainable communities. With the substantial increase in funding, the program is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come, benefiting students, farmers, and communities across the nation.

Secretary Vilsack concluded, “This historic investment in farm-to-school programs is a testament to our belief in the power of local foods to nourish our children, support our farmers, and strengthen our communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible outcomes that this funding will achieve.”