RFP 0378 - New York State Farm-to-School Grant Program 2026
Funds projects that boost K-12 schools’ purchases of New York farm products and enhance agricultural and nutrition education in school meal programs.
Funder: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Q&A deadline) | March 2027 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Total pool: $1,500,000; awards range from $50,000–$150,000 for up to 2 years; $450,000 set aside for first-time recipients.
Summary: Supports projects that increase K-12 schools' purchases of New York farm products and expand agricultural education and nutrition opportunities.
Key Information: Food purchases are not an eligible expense; projects must target K-12 school meal programs.
Description
The New York State Farm-to-School Grant Program provides competitive funding to support projects that increase the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by K-12 schools and served in school meal programs. The program aims to strengthen connections between schools and local agricultural producers, enhance agricultural and nutrition education, improve student nutrition, and introduce students to local culinary experiences. Projects may also include activities such as staff training, equipment purchases, and educational programming, provided these directly support the main objective of increasing local food procurement for school meals.
