[USDA Food and Nutrition Service](https://www.fns.usda.gov)

December 5, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

$100,000–$500,000 per award | Up to $18 million total | ~50 awards | 24-month projects

Supports partnerships to improve access to local foods in Child Nutrition Program sites through farm to school programming and agricultural education.

25% non-federal match required; most applicants must apply as part of a partnership.

--- ## Description The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The program aims to increase the availability of local foods in Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operations and connect students to the sources of their food through activities such as local food sourcing, agricultural education, school gardens, and farm-based experiential learning. Grants can be used to launch new farm to CNP initiatives or expand existing efforts, with a strong emphasis on partnerships and innovative, sustainable approaches. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are due by **December 5, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)**. - Anticipated award date: June 2026 - Project period: July 2026 – June 2028 --- ## Funding Amount - **Total program funding:** Up to $18,000,000 - **Award size:** $100,000 (minimum) to $500,000 (maximum) per project - **Expected number of awards:** Approximately 50 - **Project duration:** Up to 24 months - **Cost sharing:** At least 25% of the total project budget must be provided as a non-federal match (cash or in-kind) --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State agencies - Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) - Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators* (e.g., school districts, childcare institutions, summer sponsors) - Local agencies* - Agricultural producers* and groups of producers* - Non-profit organizations* (must provide 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter) \*Note: All entities marked with an asterisk must apply as part of a **partnership**. Partnerships must include at least three confirmed partners (including the coordinating entity), and at least one must be an eligible CNP operator/administrator. Additional eligibility notes: - State agencies and ITOs may apply as a single entity but must have at least one partner. - Other eligible entities must be part of a partnership, or their application will not be considered. - Geographic eligibility includes all U.S. states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands. - Applicants must be in good standing with any prior USDA Farm to School awards. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register Early:** Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), register in SAM.gov, and register in Grants.gov. 2. **Prepare Application Components:** - SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-LLL, AD-3030, FNS-906 forms (all via Grants.gov) - Project Abstract Summary (form provided) - Project Narrative (max 14 pages if using template, 10 pages if not) - Budget Narrative (template strongly recommended) - Match letter(s) documenting at least 25% non-federal match - Partnership letters (if required; see eligibility) - Up to three key staff resumes - 501(c)(3) determination letter (if applicable) 3. **Submit via Grants.gov** by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. **Templates and resources:** - [Project Narrative Template (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_ProjectNarrative_Template.docx) - [Budget Narrative Template (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template_NoFormulas.docx) / [Excel Version](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template_REVISED.xlsx) - [Match Letter Template (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_MatchLetter_Template.docx) - [Partnership Letter Template (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_PartnershipLetter_Template.docx) --- ## Additional Information - **Matching Requirement:** At least 25% of the total project budget must be provided as non-federal match (cash or in-kind). Federal funds cannot be used as match. - **Allowable Costs:** Personnel, contractors, equipment, supplies, travel, and training related to project goals. Food purchases are limited to 10% of the federal share and must be for educational purposes. - **Unallowable Costs:** Vehicles, meals/snacks for attendees, gift cards, advertising/public relations, and entertainment (unless pre-approved). - **Reporting:** Quarterly financial reports (SF-425) and semi-annual progress reports (FNS-908 PPR) are required. - **Partnership Model:** Most applicants must apply as part of a partnership with at least three entities (including the coordinating entity). Only the coordinating entity submits the application and manages the award. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Opportunity Page](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360548) - [Farm to School Grant Program Website](https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26) - [Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program Overview](https://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/grant) - [FY 2026 Request for Applications (RFA) – PDF](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/_Request_for_Applications_FY26_FarmtoSchool.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Notes | |---------------------|--------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Anna Arrowsmith | Grants Officer | [anna.arrowsmith@usda.gov](mailto:anna.arrowsmith@usda.gov) | Program contact for questions | For technical support with Grants.gov, contact [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) or 1-800-518-4726. ---

Farm to School Grant Program

Sign in to see full grant listing