FY2026_PartnershipLetter_Template.docx

The document is a Partnership Letter Template for the Farm to School Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026, which provides a structured format for partner organizations to demonstrate their commitment to a grant application. The template requires partners to submit a one-page letter on letterhead that outlines their role, responsibilities, experience, and specific commitment to the project, including identification of any Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) they operate such as NSLP, CACFP, SFSP, or SBP. Applicants are required to submit two partnership letters, with specific guidelines that the coordinating entity does not need to provide a letter unless they are not a CNP operator/administrator.

The associated federal grant opportunity is the Farm to School Grant Program administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, offering grants to improve local food access in child nutrition programs through initiatives like launching pilot programs, incorporating locally sourced meal components, providing agricultural education, creating school gardens, and expanding experiential learning opportunities. The program offers three grant tracks (Implementation, State Agency, and Turnkey) with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, requires a 25% matching contribution, and targets entities such as school districts, tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations. The application deadline is January 10, 2025, with a competitive selection process evaluating factors like community need, project design, sustainability, and alignment with farm to school program goals.