CT Grown for CT Kids Grant
CT Grown for CT Kids Grant supports schools, childcare providers, and organizations with farm-to-school projects that expand local food use, hands-on learning, and family engagement to improve children’s health.
Funder: Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: September 9, 2026, midnight EST (Microgrant) | November 9, 2026, noon EST (Full grant)
Funding Amounts: Microgrants: up to $5,000 for 6–12 months | Full grants: $5,000.01–$50,000 for 12–24 months; no match required
Summary: Supports the establishment and expansion of farm-to-school initiatives in Connecticut through Cafeteria, Classroom, and Community projects.
Key Information: Producer support is limited to microgrants; producers are excluded from full grants.
Description
The CT Grown for CT Kids Grant is a statewide program administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Established through the 2021 legislative session, it helps schools, school districts, childcare centers and homes, and organizations develop or expand farm-to-school programs. Its goals include increasing local foods in child nutrition programs, supporting hands-on nutrition and agriculture education, and sustaining relationships with local farmers and producers.
Funding is organized around three farm-to-school settings: Cafeteria, Classroom, and Community. Projects can support local food procurement and culinary training, experiential learning and agricultural technology, or community-based early childhood and family engagement. The program seeks to enrich students’ educational experiences, improve children’s health, and strengthen Connecticut’s economy.
