Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost-Share
Forecasted
Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost-Share reimburses Minnesota family child care providers for local foods served in meals and snacks, increasing children’s access to local foods and supporting Minnesota farmers.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Letter of Intent)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000 per provider; approximately $250,000 total program funding
Summary: Reimburses Minnesota family child care providers for locally grown or raised foods served in CACFP meals and snacks.
Key Information: Early childhood education centers are ineligible; returning recipients must provide a 1:1 cash match.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost-Share supports licensed family child care homes that buy and serve foods grown or raised in Minnesota. Providers receive reimbursement for eligible purchases used in Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meals and snacks. The program increases children’s access to local foods, expands market opportunities for Minnesota farmers, and supports the state’s economy.
Local Tots is part of the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program, which advances Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy industries. Providers are encouraged to purchase a wide range of agricultural products, including culturally relevant foods and specialty crops. The cost-share is noncompetitive, with individual award amounts depending on the number of eligible providers submitting Letters of Intent.
