The AGRI Farm to School and Early Care grant programs support Minnesota school districts, early childhood education (ECE) centers, and family child care providers that want to buy and serve Minnesota agricultural products.
In fiscal year (FY) 2026, we expect to award up to $1.35 million to reimburse school districts, ECE centers, and family child care providers for buying Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in federal meal programs.
School districts, ECE centers, and family child care providers may apply for funding for local food purchases through one of these programs:
For K-12 Schools and Early Care Centers
We expect to award up to $1.15 million to reimburse school districts and ECE centers for buying Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in federal meal programs.
First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant Program
- First Bite Grants are for those with little or no experience buying local food. This grant is meant to be an intentional learning process for the applicant and can only be received one time.
- Grants are up to $5,000, with no match required.
- School districts or ECE centers with prior Farm to School and Early Care experience or that have previously received a First Bite Grant should apply for a Full Tray Grant.
Full Tray Farm to School and Early Care Grant Program
- Full Tray Grants are for those with some Farm to School or Early Care experience.
- The amount of funding the applicant is eligible for is determined using a formula based on meals served in October 2024. Award amounts are capped at $35,000. There is a 1:1 cash match required.
- Schools and early care centers can apply for and receive this grant year after year.
Additional funding for equipment purchases
- Applicants for a First Bite or Full Tray grant may also apply for an Equipment Grant as part of their application.
- Grants are up to $25,000. There is a 1:1 cash match required. Requests must support Farm to School or Farm to Early Care initiatives.
- Learn more by reading the full Request for Proposal (RFP) for each of the grants.
For Family Child Care Providers
We expect to award approximately $200,000 to reimburse family child care providers for buying Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used for meals and snacks as part of the the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Local Tots Cost-Share Program
- Interested providers must submit a Local Tots Cost-Share program "Letter of Intent" to participate.
- Award amounts will be up to $1,000, but will depend on the number of Letters of Intent we receive.
- There is a 1:1 cash match required for providers who received a Local Tots Cost-Share award in 2025. There is no cash match required if you are new to the program.
- Learn more by reading the full Summary document for the cost-share.
Attend an Information Session
Want to learn more about eligibility, allowable expenses, and how to apply? Join us for a virtual info session:
First Bite and Full Tray Grant Info Session – for schools and ECE centers
September 15, 2025, 2-3 p.m.
Register for First Bite & Full Tray Grant info session
Local Tots Cost-Share Info Session – for family child care providers
September 18, 2025, 1-2 p.m.
Register for Local Tots Cost-Share info session
Information for Farmers and Food Producers
Are you interested in selling to schools or early care providers?
- See the Farm to School and Early Care Grantee Directory and Grantee Map to find schools and early care providers near you.
- Visit our Selling to Schools and Early Cares webpage for general information and resources about selling to schools and early care providers.
Questions? Contact Kate.Seybold@state.mn.us for more information.
