The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the second cohort of fiscal year 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, investing nearly $20 million in 68 projects that will empower American farmers, producers, ranchers, and fishers to serve local foods in school meals, summer meals, and childcare settings.
Supporting Local Farmers and Children
According to USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the farm to school program is a powerful way to bring real food back to the heart of America’s food culture and onto kids’ lunch trays. The program increases the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs and connects children to the sources of their food through local procurement, education, taste tests, school gardens, and field trips.
The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program has awarded more than $119 million in grants since its launch in 2013, funding over 1,265 projects throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
