Minnesota schools, early childhood education (ECE) centers, and licensed in-home family childcare providers can now apply for funding to bring more locally sourced foods to kids’ plates. Funding is available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Farm to Kids Programs, formerly known as the AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Grant Programs.
Approximately $1.47 million is available through the fiscal year 2027 AGRI Farm to Kids Programs, including about $250,000 for the Local Tots Cost-Share. The remaining funding will support First Bite, Full Tray, and Equipment grants. The programs reimburse eligible purchases of foods grown or raised in Minnesota and for eligible applicants, kitchen equipment used in the preparation of local foods.
Under the Walz-Flanagan administration, Minnesota tripled its annual investment in the AGRI Farm to Kids Programs, from $377,000 in 2019 to $1.47 million in 2027. As of April 2026, Farm to Kids Programs have awarded $5.62 million in grants and cost shares to help schools and early care providers purchase food grown or raised in Minnesota and essential kitchen equipment. More than 600 schools, school districts, early care centers, and family daycares have received Farm to Kids funding.
“Our AGRI Farm to Kids Programs help connect Minnesota children with Minnesota farmers," said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. "Students gain access to fresh, nutritious foods and learn more about where their food comes from, while schools and childcare providers create new markets for farmers and food businesses across the state. These investments pay dividends locally too, generating more than two dollars in economic activity for every dollar spent."
The AGRI Farm to Kids Programs include:
The First Bite Grant is intended for Minnesota K-12 school districts and ECE centers that are new to local food procurement and want to build skills and experience. Applicants may request $2,500 to $5,000, with no match required.
The Full Tray Grant is intended for school districts and ECE centers that have some local food procurement experience and want to expand their local food offerings. Applicants may request up to $25,000 based on the number of meals served through federal meal programs, including the National School Lunch Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
The Local Tots Cost-Share is intended for family childcare providers. New participants are eligible for full reimbursement of eligible purchases with no match required. Returning participants must provide a 1:1 cash match and are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible purchases. Awards are expected to average approximately $1,000 per provider, though final amounts will depend on overall demand.
The Equipment grant is available to schools and ECE centers applying for a First Bite or Full Tray grant. Applicants may request up to $20,000 for kitchen equipment to help process and prepare local foods. A 1:1 cash match is required. Equipment funding cannot be requested on its own and is not currently available to Local Tots Cost-Share participants.
Priority will be given to projects that purchase a wide range of agricultural products, including culturally relevant foods and specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, maple syrup, and honey. Applicants that provide a clear plan to source a variety of agricultural products will also receive priority.
Grant applications and cost-share letters of intent must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Visit the Farm to Kids Programs webpage for full eligibility and application details for each funding opportunity, as well as information about previous grant recipients and funded projects.
Funding for the Farm to Kids Programs is made available through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and others throughout Minnesota to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
