USDA Announces Investments in Farm to School Programs

USDA announced 52 recipients of nearly $20 million in grants through the 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. The funding will support projects that incorporate local foods into school meals, summer meals, and child care settings to bring more nutritious, local food to America’s schoolchildren while expanding economic opportunities for farmers and food producers. In addition, USDA is opening applications for $20 million in National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants to help schools modernize kitchen infrastructure. Any state agency operating the National School Lunch Program is eligible to apply for an Equipment Assistance Grant by May 28, 2026. USDA recommends that local program operators contact their state to learn how to apply for subgrants under the program.