FW: USDA Releases Farm to School Grant Program Applications

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

FW: USDA Releases Farm to School Grant Program Applications

Hi all,

Please see more info below about the new USDA Farm to School grant program!

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, formerly the CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

matts@msu.edu

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

From: National Farm to School Network [mailto:chelsey@farmtoschool.org]
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 4:38 PM
To: Matts, Colleen
Subject: USDA Releases Farm to School Grant Program Applications

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USDA releases Farm to School grant program applications

Today the USDA released the request for applications (RFA) for the new Farm to School grant program. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 established funding for grants to support the planning and implementation of Farm to School programs. In this first funding cycle, USDA anticipates awarding up to $3.5 million in grant funding to support efforts that improve access to local foods in eligible schools.

Grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis, subject to availability of Federal funds. Applicants are encouraged to first submit a letter of intent and then apply for either a planning grant or an implementation grant. Planning grants are expected to range from $20,000 - $45,000 and represent approximately 25 percent of the total awards. Implementation grants are expected to range from $65,000 - $100,000 and represent approximately 75 percent of the total awards. Both grant types require at least a 25 percent funding match.

Important dates:

May 15, 1 p.m. EST - Webinar (implementation grants)
May 17, 1 p.m. EST - Webinar (planning grants)
May 18 - Letter of Intent Deadline (suggested)
June 15 - Applications Due

For information about USDA webinars and other updates, be sure to sign up for the USDA Farm to School Listserve.

If you have questions about the grant process, contact:

Deborah Kane, 503-326-2010

National Director, Farm to School Program, Food & Nutrition Services (FNS)

or
Gregory Walton, 703-305-1575
Grants Management Specialist, FNS

The National Farm to School Network supports the work of local Farm to School programs all over the country by providing free training and technical assistance, information services, networking, and support for policy, media and marketing. NFSN is a project of Tides Center..