The state recently opened the application period for the Farm to School Grant Program.
Eligible applicants are private schools, charter schools, or school districts with students in pre-K through fifth grade. Funding is used to increase agriculture education opportunities and improve access to healthy, local foods.
Applicants will be eligible for up to $15,000. A total of $500,000 will be awarded through this year’s program.
To be eligible, applications must include a list of Pennsylvania farmers who have agreed to supply products from their farms; a nutrition and agriculture education plan; training for teachers and other educational staff on nutrition and agriculture education; incorporating parents, caregivers, and community groups in educational activities; and field trips to Pennsylvania farms or other direct agricultural experiences that teach children about food sources and the state’s agriculture.
“Our Farm to School Program works to improve health and nutrition for young children, provide hands-on ag education opportunities, and support local farmers by fostering connections between schools and farms,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Through this program, Pennsylvania schools have the opportunity to address our workforce needs of the future by encouraging agricultural interests in young students while simultaneously improving their access to fresh, local foods.”
Applications will be accepted through Oct. 1.