Minnesota schools, early childhood education centers, and licensed family childcare providers have a new opportunity to bring fresh, locally grown food to their students.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened applications for its FY 2026 Farm to School and Early Care Grant and Local Tots Cost-Share programs, offering a combined $1.35 million funding to support local food purchases and kitchen equipment upgrades.
The initiative is designed to strengthen connections between Minnesota farmers and educational institutions, helping children access nutritious meals while creating new market opportunities for producers across the state. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen praised the program’s impact, noting its broad bipartisan support and benefits for students and farmers.
Funding is available through several targeted programs. The First Bite Grant supports schools and early care centers new to sourcing local food, while the Full Tray Grant helps experienced participants expand their offerings. Both grants also allow applicants to request up to $25,000 for kitchen equipment, provided the request is tied to local food purchases and includes a 1:1 cash match.
Family childcare providers can apply through the Local Tots Cost-Share program, which offers up to $1,000 per provider. New participants are not required to provide matching funds, though returning applicants from fiscal year 2025 must meet a 1:1 match requirement.
The MDA will prioritize applications demonstrating a commitment to purchasing a diverse array of Minnesota-grown products, including culturally relevant foods and specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, maple syrup, and honey.
Applications and letters of intent must be submitted by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Full eligibility details and application materials are available on the MDA’s Farm to School and Early Care Programs webpage.
The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program provides funding for these programs, which support agricultural development and renewable energy initiatives across Minnesota.
