Farm to School State Formula Grant

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service distributes formula grants under the Farm to School State Formula Grant program (CFDA 10.645) to support state farm-to-school implementation, but the program is no longer accepting applications as of the source date. This program is not open to new applicants and should not be pursued.

The program distributed $58.2 million in federal funding across 55 formula grants to states and territories administering the National School Lunch Program. All awards were concentrated among the single funding agency—the Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service—which obligated 100 percent of federal dollars. Award activity was front-loaded: 53 of 55 grants were awarded on September 30, 2022, with 2 additional grants awarded in May 2023. The most recent award was made May 25, 2023, more than three years ago.

Grants funded state capacity to procure and use local foods in school meal programs and provide agricultural education opportunities. The program operated under a four-year funding timeline beginning in fiscal year 2022, with grant completion dates of September 30, 2026, though one Mississippi award completed earlier in September 2023.

Awards were distributed as formula grants to all NSLP-participating states. Individual state awards ranged from approximately $616 thousand (Guam) to $3.9 million (California). Representative recent awards included South Dakota (May 23, 2023, $679,980); Arkansas (September 30, 2022, $842,819); and Virginia (September 30, 2022, $1,291,069). Funding came from the American Rescue Plan and was allocated through state grant agreements reviewed by grants administration and farm-to-school program staff.

Recipients must retain all supporting documentation for three years after grant closeout. The program is closed to new applications; existing state awards operate under their established four-year cycles through September 2026.