(Washington, D.C., September 10, 2025) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is delivering on its commitment to support child health and American agriculture by opening applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. Through this grant opportunity, USDA will invest up to $18 million in farm to school projects that connect farmers to USDA’s child nutrition programs through local food procurement, agricultural education, school gardens, and more.
New this year, USDA reimagined the Farm to School Grant program, implementing several improvements, including streamlining the application, removing barriers to innovation, and emphasizing partnerships to give small family farms the best chance at success.
“Yesterday at the MAHA Report announcement, alongside Secretary Kennedy, we announced one of the key actions USDA has already taken to contribute to making our children healthy again – Farm to School Grants. These initiatives are one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools, and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is proud to streamline this program, so it works better for families, farmers, and communities across our nation. Putting America’s Farmers First starts with putting our children first.”
Since the Farm to School Grant program’s inception in 2013, USDA has awarded a total of $100 million to more than 1,200 Farm to School Grant projects across the country. This year’s grants represent the largest total amount USDA has offered in Farm to School Grants in a single year.
How This Helps Texans
Benefits for Texas Farmers:
- New Market Opportunities – Direct sales to local schools, summer meal sites, and child care facilities
- Stable Income Source – Predictable contracts with educational institutions
- Training Support – Learn procurement requirements and food safety standards needed for institutional sales
- Partnership Opportunities – Connect with other small farms to meet larger contract demands
- Agricultural Education – Participate in teaching the next generation about farming
Benefits for Texas Schools and Communities:
- Fresh, Local Food – Access to unprocessed, locally sourced ingredients for school meals
- Educational Programs – Agricultural education integrated into career and technical programs
- School Gardens – Support for on-campus growing projects
- Healthier Students – Increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Economic Impact – Keep food dollars in local Texas communities
Benefits for Texas Children:
- Better Nutrition – Higher quality, fresher meals at school
- Agricultural Education – Learn about farming and food production
- Career Opportunities – Exposure to agricultural careers and technical programs
- Community Connection – Understanding where their food comes from
Who Qualifies in Texas
Eligible Applicants Include:
- State Agencies – Texas Department of Agriculture and other state entities
- Local Agencies – County governments and local authorities
- School Districts – Public school systems across Texas
- Child Nutrition Program Operators – Organizations running school meal programs
- Small to Medium-Sized Farms – Individual agricultural producers
- Agricultural Producer Groups – Cooperatives and farmer associations
- Nonprofit Organizations – 501(c)(3) organizations supporting farm-to-school initiatives
- Tribal Organizations – Federally recognized tribes in Texas
Types of Projects Funded:
- Incorporating locally sourced foods into school meals
- Training producers on procurement and food safety requirements
- Agricultural education programs in schools
- School garden development and maintenance
- Summer meal site local food programs
- Child care provider fresh food initiatives
How to Get This Grant
Application Process:
- Review Requirements – Read the detailed request for applications thoroughly
- Determine Eligibility – Confirm your organization/farm meets qualification criteria
- Develop Project Plan – Create a comprehensive proposal showing how you’ll meet program goals
- Partner with Others – Consider collaborating with schools, farms, or nonprofits to strengthen your application
- Submit Application – Complete and submit before the deadline
Key Dates:
- Applications Now Open – September 10, 2025
- Application Deadline – December 5, 2025
- Award Period – Fiscal Year 2026
Application Tips:
- Focus on Local Impact – Show how your project will benefit Texas communities
- Demonstrate Partnerships – Strong collaborations between farms and schools are favored
- Emphasize Innovation – New approaches and creative solutions are encouraged
- Small Farm Friendly – The program specifically supports small family farms
- Show Sustainability – Explain how the project will continue beyond the grant period
Grant Details
Funding Available:
- Total Program – Up to $18 million nationwide
- Largest Annual Amount – This represents the biggest single-year Farm to School Grant offering in program history
- Program History – $100 million awarded to 1,200+ projects since 2013
Program Improvements for 2026:
- Streamlined Applications – Easier application process
- Reduced Barriers – Fewer obstacles to innovation
- Partnership Emphasis – Focus on collaborations that help small farms succeed
- Small Farm Support – Specific attention to helping family farms participate
Next Steps for Texans
For Texas Farmers:
- Contact your local Extension office for guidance
- Connect with nearby school districts to explore partnerships
- Review procurement and food safety requirements
- Consider partnering with other local farms
- Begin preparing your application materials
For Texas Schools:
- Identify local farmers and producers in your area
- Assess current meal programs for local food opportunities
- Consider agricultural education program needs
- Explore partnership opportunities with farms and nonprofits
- Contact USDA for application assistance
For More Information:
- Visit the USDA Farm to School Grant website
- Contact your state’s Farm to School coordinator
- Reach out to local Extension offices
- Connect with existing Farm to School networks in Texas
This grant represents a significant opportunity for Texas farmers, schools, and communities to work together to improve child nutrition while strengthening local agriculture. With the streamlined application process and emphasis on partnerships, small Texas farms have a better chance than ever to participate in this important program.
