AGRI Farm to Kids Full Tray Grant
Forecasted
AGRI Farm to Kids Full Tray Grant helps Minnesota schools and early childhood centers buy and serve locally grown or raised foods, increasing children’s access and expanding markets for Minnesota farmers.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$25,000 for food purchases, with a 1:1 cash match; optional equipment funding up to $20,000
Summary: Reimburses Minnesota schools and early childhood education centers for Minnesota-grown or raised foods served through federal child nutrition programs.
Key Information: Applicants must participate in NSLP or CACFP and have some local food procurement and Farm to Kids experience.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) administers Full Tray through its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program. The grant helps Minnesota K–12 schools, school districts, and early childhood education (ECE) centers build on existing Farm to Kids efforts by purchasing and serving foods grown or raised in Minnesota. Its goals include increasing young people’s access to local foods, expanding markets for Minnesota farmers, and supporting the state’s agricultural economy.
Funding supports food purchases for federal child nutrition programs. Previously purchased local foods can qualify, but projects should document new or increased purchasing. Priorities include culturally relevant foods, specialty crops, and sourcing from diverse Minnesota producers, including small- and mid-sized farms. Applicants may also request equipment funding to improve their capacity to store, prepare, and serve local foods.
