ALBANY, N.Y. — New York's Farm-to-School Grant Program brings healthy and local food to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. This program also provides a benefit economically to NY's farmers, fostering a great connection between consumers and their local farms.
Farm-to-school programs across New York State now have access to $1.5 million to support their expansion. Applicants that have not received funding from the program in the past will be allotted a portion of $300,000.
Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "New York State’s Farm-to-School program helps schools overcome some of the challenges they may face in sourcing products locally, and makes it easier for them to increase the use of New York grown foods straight from the farm. The funding available today will help to ensure that our students have access to fresh, healthy foods, increase students’ understanding of where their meals come from, and benefit our local agricultural economies statewide. I’m excited to see these projects come to fruition and look forward to continued connections between New York’s schools and farmers moving forward.”
In addition to K-12 schools, recipients of the funds will include charter schools, not-for-profit organizations, and Indian tribal organizations.
Eligible costs in schools' breakfast and lunch programs include:
- contractor services;
- staff training;
- food for menu development and taste-tests;
- transportation costs (including the leasing of a vehicle for a two-year period or purchasing of vehicle);
- supplies and equipment;
- permanent physical/structural improvements;
- insurance and permits (excluding permit to operate a farmers’ market at proposed location); and
- salaries and wages including fringe benefits.
“Providing students with healthy, locally-sourced meals is one of the best investments we can make in their development while delivering powerful economic drivers for New York farm businesses. I'm excited that new funding is available to expand New York's Farm-to-School program statewide, including support for schools starting their first-ever programs. We encourage all eligible schools to apply!" said Senator Michelle Hinchey.
Schools can apply on the department's website, here.
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