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.
- The equipment portion of the grant request must include a 1:1 cash match (up to $25,000) and support Farm to School and 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 the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Award amounts will depend on the number of Letters of Intent we receive, but we anticipate them to be approximately $1,000 per provider.
Local Tots Cost-Share Program
- The Local Tots Cost-Share program is for family child care providers that want to buy and serve Minnesota-grown or -raised foods as a part of CACFP meals and snacks.
- Interested providers must submit a Letter of Intent to participate in the program.
- Learn more by reading the full RFP for the cost-share.
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.
