News Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled an $18 million funding opportunity for farm-to-school initiatives, representing the largest investment in the program’s history. With an emphasis on larger projects and a minimum grant of $100,000, this funding raises concerns about access for smaller organizations. Critics argue that recent funding cuts may impact school nutrition and equitable access to local foods. Advocates urge the USDA to consider the needs of smaller entities as they refine their approach to local food sourcing and funding strategies.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an $18 million funding opportunity for the upcoming 2026 school year through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, marking the largest single-year investment in the program’s history.
Major Funding Increase and Program Changes
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins revealed that the newly allocated $18 million aims to support farm-to-school initiatives across the country. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with the program now emphasizing larger projects by consolidating grant categories and streamlining the application process. The new guidelines are designed to favor projects that partner with local farms and larger-scale initiatives, requiring a minimum grant award of $100,000. This change could make it more challenging for smaller organizations to qualify for funding, as many earlier projects funded under $50,000, such as school gardens and local food programs, may no longer meet the threshold.
Context of Funding Cuts and Funding History
The announcement comes after the USDA’s cancellation of $10 million in funding in March 2025—money that had already been allocated to schools and organizations to support local food sourcing initiatives. Despite the new $18 million investment, critics note that recent cuts have undermined school nutrition efforts and access to local, fresh foods. Since its inception in 2013, the farm-to-school grant program has awarded over $100 million to more than 1,200 projects aimed at increasing access to healthy, local foods in schools. Initially, the program started with an annual budget of just $5 million, which was often supplemented through congressional appropriations.
Goals and Intended Benefits of the Program
USDA officials highlight that the grants are intended to benefit small family farms, promote healthy eating habits among students, and inspire future generations of farmers. The program has historically supported initiatives like installing school gardens, establishing farm-to-school purchasing policies, and connecting students with local producers. However, the recent modifications in grant parameters aim to streamline the process and encourage larger-scale projects, potentially impacting smaller community initiatives.
Concerns from Experts and Stakeholders
Advocates and experts in the farm-to-school community express concern that although any federal funding is beneficial, the recent policy shifts may reverse progress made in promoting equitable access to local foods. Critics emphasize that the elimination of categories favoring underserved communities and the removal of a scoring system designed to promote equitable distribution could disadvantage smaller or minority-serving institutions.
Additionally, stakeholders including school food service directors and farmers have voiced worries that the new requirements may limit participation from smaller entities and reduce opportunities for school gardens or local food programs that previously received smaller grants. Some experts point out that the loss of funding to other programs, such as SNAP-Ed and the Local Food for Schools initiative, exacerbates concerns about the overall impact on school nutrition and local food systems.
USDA’s Response and Future Outlook
The USDA has not issued detailed responses to inquiries regarding the strategic direction of local food sourcing initiatives or the broader impact of these changes. However, industry stakeholders continue to urge the department to consider the needs of small-scale farmers and school nutrition programs as it refines its policies and funding strategies over the coming years.
Summary
In sum, the USDA’s announcement of an $18 million funding pool represents a noteworthy, though somewhat controversial, step in supporting farm-to-school programs. While the increased investment aims to boost local food initiatives and support farmers, recent adjustments in grant eligibility criteria and the reduction of funding to smaller organizations have raised concerns about equitable access and the sustainability of existing school nutrition efforts.
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Additional Resources
- Civil Eats: USDA’s Regional Food Business Centers Caught in Federal Funding Freeze
- Wikipedia: Food Security
- Farm Progress: US Risks Food Security by Cutting Agricultural Research Funding, Expert Warns
- Google Search: Agricultural Research Funding
- Brownfield Ag News: Potential Return of RFSI Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Mother Jones: Trump SNAP Cuts Big Beautiful Bill for Food Aid
- Google News: Food Aids
- New York Times: Farmers, Food Bank Budget Cuts
- Google Scholar: Food Bank Funding Cuts
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