[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 project period

Supports partnerships and entities improving access to local foods and agricultural education in Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites through innovative farm to school programming.

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

--- ## Description This opportunity funds projects that enhance access to local foods and agricultural education in eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites, including schools, childcare centers, and summer food service operations. The program aims to connect children with local producers, expand procurement of local foods, and integrate agricultural education through activities such as school gardens, taste tests, curriculum development, and producer training. Projects may launch new farm to CNP initiatives or expand existing efforts, with a focus on sustainable, innovative, and collaborative approaches. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are due **December 5, 2025, by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time** via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360548). --- ## Funding Amount - **Award range:** $100,000 (minimum) to $500,000 (maximum) per project. - **Total program funding:** Up to $18,000,000. - **Expected number of awards:** Approximately 50. - **Project period:** 24 months (anticipated July 2026 – June 2028). - **Cost sharing/matching:** At least 25% of the total project cost must be provided as non-federal cash or in-kind match. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - **State agencies** - **Indian Tribal organizations (ITOs)** - **Child Nutrition Program operators** (must apply as part of a partnership) - **Local agencies** (must apply as part of a partnership) - **Agricultural producers and groups of producers** (must apply as part of a partnership) - **Nonprofit organizations** (must apply as part of a partnership and provide 501(c)(3) documentation) **Partnership Requirement:** - All entities marked above (except state agencies and ITOs) must apply as part of a partnership, with a minimum of three confirmed partners (including the coordinating entity). - At least one partner must be an eligible CNP operator or administrator. - Partnerships must submit two partnership letters (one from a CNP operator/administrator if the coordinating entity is not one). **Additional Notes:** - Entities can only serve as the coordinating entity on one application. - Geographic eligibility includes all U.S. states and territories participating in federal CNPs. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register Early:** Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), register in SAM.gov, and register in [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). 2. **Prepare Application Components:** - SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and other required federal forms. - **Project Narrative** (using [template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_ProjectNarrative_Template.docx)), not to exceed 14 pages if using the template. - **Budget Narrative** ([Word template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template_NoFormulas.docx) or [Excel template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template.xlsx)), submitted as PDF. - **Match Letter(s):** Signed letters for each source of matching funds ([template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_MatchLetter_Template.docx)). - **Partnership Letters:** Two required ([template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_PartnershipLetter_Template.docx)). - **Resumes:** At least one, up to three, for key staff. - **501(c)(3) documentation** (if applicable). 3. **Submit Application:** Upload all materials to Grants.gov by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. **Key Application Tips:** - Ensure all budget, match, and narrative information is consistent across forms and letters. - Only whole dollar amounts are accepted. - All partnership and match documentation must align with the narrative and budget. --- ## Additional Information - **Allowable costs** include personnel, equipment, supplies, evaluation, travel, and some food for educational purposes (limited to 10% of federal funds). - **Unallowable costs** include vehicles, meals/snacks for training attendees, advertising, and gift cards. - **Indirect costs:** May use a negotiated indirect cost rate or up to 15% de minimis if no NICRA exists. - **Reporting:** Semi-annual progress reports and quarterly financial reports are required. --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page (USDA FNS)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26) - [Full RFA (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/_Request_for_Applications_FY26_FarmtoSchool.pdf) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360548) - [Budget Narrative Template (Word)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template_NoFormulas.docx) - [Budget Narrative Template (Excel)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template.xlsx) - [Project Narrative Template (Word)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_ProjectNarrative_Template.docx) - [Match Letter Template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_MatchLetter_Template.docx) - [Partnership Letter Template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_PartnershipLetter_Template.docx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------| | Anna J Arrowsmith | Grants Officer| [anna.arrowsmith@usda.gov](mailto:anna.arrowsmith@usda.gov) | For technical assistance with Grants.gov: - Phone: 1-800-518-4726 - Email: support@grants.gov For programmatic questions, contact Anna Arrowsmith at the email above.

Farm to School Grant Program

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