Farm to School and Early Care Programs

Are you a farmer looking to sell to schools or early childhood education centers? 
See the list of Farm to School and Early Care Grantees and contact Kate.Seybold@state.mn.us for more information.

The AGRI Farm to School and Early Care programs support Minnesota school districts, early childhood education (ECE) centers, and family child care providers that want to buy and serve Minnesota agricultural products.

In fiscal year (FY) 2025, we expect to award up to $1,051,875 to reimburse school districts, ECE centers, and family child care providers for buying Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in federal meal programs.

School districts, ECE centers, and family child care providers may apply for funding for local food purchases through one of these programs:

First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant

• First Bite Grants are for those with little or no experience with local procurement as part of a Farm to School or Early Care program. This grant is meant to be an intentional learning process for the applicant.
• School districts or ECE centers with prior Farm to School and Early Care experience or that have previously received a First Bite Grant should apply for a Full Tray Grant.

Full Tray Farm to School and Early Care Grant

• Full Tray Grants are for those with some Farm to School or Early Care experience. The amount of funding the applicant is eligible for is determined using a formula based on meals served in October 2023.
• There is a 1:1 cash match required.

Additional funding for equipment purchases

• Applicants for a First Bite or Full Tray grant may also apply for a Farm to School and Early Care Equipment Grant as part of their application.
• The equipment portion of the grant request must include a 1:1 cash match (up to $25,000) and support Farm to School and Early Care initiatives.
• Learn more by reading the full Request for Proposal for each of the grants.

Local Tots Cost-Share Program

• The Local Tots Cost-Share program is for family child care providers that want to buy and serve Minnesota-grown or -raised foods as a part of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meals and snacks.
• Interested providers must submit a Letter of Intent to participate in the cost-share program.
• Learn more by reading the FY 2025 Local Tots Cost-Share Summary.

Farm to School and Early Care office hours

The Minnesota Farm to School Leadership Team hosts a virtual office hour on the second Wednesday of each month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Open to anyone with questions related to Farm to School and Early Care and local food purchasing.

Register to join these monthly Zoom meetings.

Farm to School and Early Care Grantees

For more information about the grant awards, see First Bite Past Projects and Full Tray Past Projects.

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