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

December 5, 2025 (11:59pm EST)

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

Supports projects that increase access to local foods in Child Nutrition Program sites through local sourcing and agricultural education.

25% non-federal match required (cash or in-kind); most applicants must apply as a partnership.

--- ## Description The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program aims to improve access to local foods in eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites—including schools and child care centers—by funding comprehensive farm to CNP initiatives. These initiatives can include local food procurement, agricultural education, school gardens, taste tests, training for producers, infrastructure improvements, and more. The program is designed to support both new and expanded farm to CNP efforts, with a focus on building partnerships, scaling up impact, and fostering sustainable connections between local producers and child nutrition programs. Projects must align with the program’s objective to enhance local food sourcing and agricultural education at CNP sites. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Deadline:** December 5, 2025 (11:59pm EST) - **Anticipated Award Announcement:** June 2026 - **Project Period:** July 2026 – June 2028 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $100,000 (minimum) to $500,000 (maximum) per project - **Total Funding Available:** Approximately $18 million - **Expected Number of Awards:** ~50 - **Project Duration:** 24 months --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State agencies - Indian Tribal organizations - Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators (*must apply as part of a partnership) - Local agencies (*must apply as part of a partnership) - Agricultural producers (*must apply as part of a partnership) - Groups of agricultural producers (*must apply as part of a partnership) - Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (*must apply as part of a partnership) **Partnership Requirement:** Except for state agencies and Indian Tribal organizations (ITOs), all other eligible entities 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. Only the coordinating entity submits the application and serves as the grant recipient. **Additional Notes:** - All non-profit applicants must provide their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. - Entities must meet eligibility definitions as outlined in the [RFA](https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26). - For-profit entities, private schools, colleges/universities, and hospitals are not eligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register Early:** Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), register in SAM.gov, and register in Grants.gov. 2. **Prepare Application Materials:** Required documents include: - SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-LLL, AD-3030, FNS-906 (all via Grants.gov) - Project Narrative (max 14 pages with template, 10 pages without) - Budget Narrative (use provided [template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template_NoFormulas.docx) or [Excel version](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template.xlsx)) - Match letter(s) showing 25% non-federal match ([template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_MatchLetter_Template.docx)) - Partnership letters (if required; [template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_PartnershipLetter_Template.docx)) - Up to three key staff resumes - 501(c)(3) letter (if applicable) 3. **Submit via Grants.gov:** All application materials must be uploaded to [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360548) by the deadline. Late/incomplete applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - **Cost Sharing:** At least 25% of the total project budget must be provided as a non-federal match (cash or in-kind). Federal funds may not be used as match. - **Allowable Costs:** Personnel, contractors, equipment, supplies, training, infrastructure, evaluation, and select food purchases (up to 10% of federal share for educational purposes). - **Unallowable Costs:** Pre-award costs, gift cards, meals/snacks for attendees, advertising/public relations, vehicle purchases, and AmeriCorps/FoodCorps stipends. - **Reporting:** Grantees must submit semi-annual progress reports and quarterly financial reports. - **Review Criteria:** Projects are evaluated on project design, alignment with program priorities, partnership strength, evaluation plan, sustainability, and budget justification. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & RFA](https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26) - [Full Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360548) - [Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program (Main)](https://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/grant) - [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) - [Budget Narrative Template (Excel)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY2026_BudgetNarrative_Template.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) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Role/Notes | |---------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Anna J. Arrowsmith | [anna.arrowsmith@usda.gov](mailto:anna.arrowsmith@usda.gov) | Grants Officer, FNS | For technical assistance with Grants.gov: 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov ---

Farm to School Grant Program

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