Nutrition Programs
Farm to School
Grants 
USDA Farm To School Grants Announced!
The USDA will be administering Farm to School grant funds, which 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. For both types of grants, the applicant must provide at least 25 percent of the costs of the grant project as the Federal share of costs for this grant cannot exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the project, as required by the HHFKA.
The USDA has planned two webinars to provide more information regarding these grants:
- Tuesday, May 15th @ 1:00 EST for Implementation grants
- Thursday May 17th @ 1:00 EST for Planning grants
Important Dates:
- May 18, 2012: (suggested) Letter of Intent Deadline
- June 15, 2012: Proposals Due to USDA
- October 1, 2012: (pending the availability of federal funds) Awards announced and funds available
For more information please visit the USDA webpage at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/f2_grant_program.htm
Procurement
- USDA Q&A’s
- USDA Geographic Preference for the Procurement of Unprocessed Agricultural Products in the Child Nutrition Programs
- Memo SP 08-2010
- Memo SP 01-2010
- Memo SP 18-2011
- Procurement
Websites/Links
- University of Illinois Extension- IL F2S State Lead, resources & newsletters
- Market Maker database of produce and schools
- IL Department of Agriculture database of produce and schools
- USDA Farm to School Website
- Know Your Farmer Know Your Food
- National Farm to School Organization
- IL Farm to School Organization Page
- Ag in the Classroom
- Farm Direct-Electronic database of produce
- Local County Health Department
School Gardens
- University of Illinois Extension
- Illinois Vegetable Garden Guide
- Kids Gardening
Success Stories
If you have any stories about how you implement Farm to School in your District please email lblough@isbe.net to share what you’re doing in your community.
