The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided $4.5 million in grants to connect school cafeterias with local agricultural producers. The first ever Farm to School grants will fund 68 projects in 37 states and the District of Columbia, with a goal of serving 3,200 schools and 1.75 million students. “When schools buy food from nearby producers, their purchasing power helps create local jobs and economic benefits, particularly in rural agricultural communities,” said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. The grants will increase market opportunities for producers and support educational efforts like field trips to local farms and school gardens. Learn more.
