The AGRI Farm to Kids 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) 2027, we expect to award up to $1.47 million to reimburse school districts, ECE centers, and family child care providers for buying foods grown or raised in Minnesota used in federal meal programs.
Note: The AGRI Farm to Kids grant programs were formerly referred to as the AGRI Farm to School and Early Care grant 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 $1.22 million to reimburse school districts and ECE centers for buying foods grown or raised in Minnesota used in federal meal programs.
Farm to Kids First Bite 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 Kids experience or that have previously received a First Bite Grant should apply for a Full Tray Grant.
Farm to Kids Full Tray Grant Program
- Full Tray Grants are for those with some Farm to Kids experience.
- The amount of funding the applicant is eligible for is determined using a formula based on meals served in October 2025. Award amounts are capped at $25,000. 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 $20,000. There is a 1:1 cash match required. Requests must support Farm to Kids 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 $250,000 to reimburse family child care providers for buying foods grown or raised in Minnesota used for meals and snacks as part of 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 have previously received a Local Tots Cost-Share award. 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.
Information Sessions
We are hosting information sessions about eligibility, allowable expenses, and how to apply.
If you need an accommodation, email f2sgrants.mda@state.mn.us by September 14, 2026.
Local Tots Cost Share
The Farm to Kids Local Tots Cost Share FY 2027 information session will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Register for the Local Tots Cost Share session
First Bite & Full Tray Grants
The Farm to Kids First Bite and Full Tray Grants FY 2027 information session will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Register for the First Bite & Full Tray Grants session
View the recordings from last year's information sessions:
- Farm to School First Bite and Full Tray Grants – Fiscal Year 2026 Info Session (recorded September 15, 2025)
- Farm to School Local Tots Cost-Share – Fiscal Year 2026 Info Session (recorded September 18, 2025)
Information for Farmers and Food Producers
Are you interested in selling to schools or early care providers?
- See the Farm to Kids Grantee Directory and Grantee Map to find schools and early care providers near you.
- Fill out the Local Food Source Verification Form to request that your products grown or raised in Minnesota be added to the MDA's Verified Local Foods list. This form is most applicable for food processors, manufacturers, and entities that aggregate agricultural products from multiple farms.
- Visit our Selling to Schools and Early Cares webpage for general information and resources about selling to schools and early care providers.
Questions? Contact us for more information.
