Farm to School Grants Reach a Record High
Farm to school grants reached a historic milestone this week. On July 7, 2026, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced the second cohort of fiscal year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. The announcement completes the largest single-year investment in the program’s history.
In total, USDA awarded nearly $20 million to 68 projects across the country. These projects help American farmers, producers, ranchers, and fishers serve local foods in school meals, summer meals, and childcare settings. As a result, more kids gain access to fresh, nutrient-rich food grown close to home.
Why Farm to School Grants Matter for Kids and Farmers
Secretary Rollins described the effort as a clear win for everyone involved. “Without a doubt, farm to school is one of the most powerful ways to Make America Healthy Again by bringing real food back to the heart of America’s food culture and onto kids’ lunch trays,” she said.
She went on to explain the ripple effect. “Our historic investment in farm to school projects is a win-win-win for kids, farmers, and communities,” Rollins said. “Students are nourished with farm-fresh, nutrient-rich foods; producers access dependable markets through schools; and local economies are strengthened.”
The value is easy to understand. Children eat better food, while farmers gain steady, reliable buyers. Meanwhile, local dollars stay in the community. Because schools purchase directly from nearby producers, families and neighbors both benefit.
How the Program Connects Students to Their Food
The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program does more than stock cafeterias. It also increases local foods in child nutrition programs and connects children to the sources of their meals. Students learn through local procurement, taste tests, school gardens, and field trips.
For example, education plays a central role. When kids visit a farm or plant a garden, they see firsthand where food comes from. Consequently, they build a deeper appreciation for the growers who feed them.
Grantees Show What Farm to School Grants Can Do
Several projects in this second cohort illustrate the program’s reach. In Mississippi’s Delta region, the Jefferson County School District will launch a comprehensive farm to school program for high school students. The project transforms underutilized greenhouses into thriving hydroponic systems.
There, students grow fresh vegetables and herbs year-round for school cafeteria meals. Additionally, the district’s child nutrition programs will build purchasing relationships with four local farms. Students will visit those farms on educational field trips.
The initiative carries a bigger purpose, too. Because agriculture is Mississippi’s number one industry, the program prepares students for future careers. At the same time, it improves their daily nutrition through better access to fresh local foods.
Arkansas offers another strong example. The WSBZ Farm to School Implementation Project will integrate farm to school practices across all 11 schools within Bryant Public Schools. By adding Arkansas-grown specialty crops to menus, the project improves student nutrition and agricultural literacy. Furthermore, it creates new economic opportunities for growers throughout the state.
A Decade of Growth Behind the Farm to School Grants
This year’s success builds on a strong foundation. USDA announced the first cohort of FY 2026 grantees back in April. Together, both cohorts represent a reimagined approach to the program.
For FY 2026, USDA prioritized innovative, large-scale projects built on strong partnerships. That strategy paid off. Consequently, the program drew its highest number of applicants and awarded the most money in a single year.
The long-term numbers are just as impressive. Since the Farm to School Grant program launched in 2013, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration has awarded more than $119 million. That funding has supported over 1,265 projects.
Those projects reach every corner of the nation. They span all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico. As a result, communities everywhere have felt the program’s impact.
What This Record Investment Means Going Forward
This record year underscores a simple truth. When schools buy local, children eat healthier and farmers find new markets. Therefore, the latest round of farm to school grants strengthens both the next generation and the agricultural economy that supports it.
Looking ahead, growers and educators should watch for future funding cycles and expanded partnerships. The program has grown steadily for more than a decade, and momentum appears to be building. Ultimately, these farm to school grants show how a shared commitment to good food can nourish kids, support producers, and bind communities closer together.
Readers can find full project descriptions for all FY 2026 grantees on the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program website at fna.usda.gov.