From Farm to Fork: Why Small-Town Food Businesses Should Apply for the FY 2026 Farm to School Grant

If you’re a small-town food producer, baker, grower, or distributor, the USDA just opened a door you’ll want to walk through. The FY 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is live—and it’s packed with potential for small businesses ready to make a big impact.

This isn’t just about funding. It’s about feeding futures, building local pride, and connecting your products with the next generation.

What’s the Grant All About?

The Farm to School Grant is designed to bring more local foods into Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs)—think school lunches, taste tests, gardens, field trips, and educational experiences that connect kids with the food they eat.

This year’s grant is bigger and bolder:

• 💰 Funding ranges from $100,000 to $500,000

• 🌱 Total pool: up to $18 million

• 📅 Deadline to apply: December 5, 2025

Whether you’re launching a new farm-to-school initiative or expanding an existing one, this grant can help you scale your impact and deepen your roots in the community.

Who Can Apply?

Small businesses in the food industry can apply as part of a partnership. That means teaming up with:

• Local schools or school districts

• Nonprofits (with 501(c)(3) status)

• Child Nutrition Program operators

• Agricultural producers or producer groups

If you’ve got a product that belongs in school cafeterias—or a story that deserves to be shared with students—this grant is your chance to shine.

Why Small Food Businesses Should Jump In

This grant is tailor-made for small-town businesses that:

• Want to supply fresh, local food to schools

• Are passionate about educating kids on where their food comes from

• Need funding to scale operations, improve packaging, or expand distribution

• Believe in the power of food to build healthier, more connected communities

Whether you run a honey farm, a produce stand, a bakery, or a specialty snack company—this is your moment.

How to Get Started

1. Read the full Request for Applications (RFA)→ View the USDA’s official grant page

2. Form a partnership with a school, nonprofit, or CNP operator

3. Craft a compelling proposal that highlights:

   • Your local sourcing practices

   • Educational opportunities (e.g., field trips, demos, tastings)

   • How your business supports child nutrition and community health

4. Submit your application by December 5, 2025