CN farm to school grant

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network $500,000 on May 1, 2026, under the Farm to School Grant Program (CFDA 10.575). The award funds implementation of farm to school initiatives in Martin, Tennessee, with a period of performance extending through June 30, 2028. The Farm to School program assists eligible entities in scaling or developing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in schools participating in USDA Child Nutrition programs. Implementation grants specifically support schools, school districts, local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and non-profit entities in advancing existing farm to school efforts. Awards are made through a competitive process evaluated on criteria including service to schools with high free and reduced price meal enrollment, project readiness and likelihood of success, alignment with program goals, project design and management quality, sustainability and transferability, and budget appropriateness. Grantees may request a one-time six-month no-cost extension for bonafide need and must maintain records for three years following submission of the final report.