Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost-Share
The Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost-Share grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture funds research-driven efforts to increase local food use in family child care meals for young children.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: October 15, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline
Funding Amounts: ~$250,000 total; estimated ~$1,000 per provider (final amount depends on total applicants); 1-year reimbursement period
Summary: Reimburses Minnesota family child care providers for purchasing and serving foods grown or raised in Minnesota as part of CACFP meals and snacks.
Key Information: Only licensed family child care providers participating in CACFP are eligible; ECE centers must apply to other programs.
Description
The Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost-Share program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program, supports family day care homes in Minnesota by reimbursing them for the purchase of foods grown or raised in the state. The goal is to increase the amount of local, minimally processed, and certain processed foods served to young children in care settings participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This initiative aims to strengthen the local food system, support Minnesota farmers, and foster healthy eating habits in children.
