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Farm Fresh Video Premiere!
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Have you ever wondered how tortillas are made, or why they've been a Texas staple for so long? The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) created its newest Farm Fresh video to teach kids about the fascinating process behind making tortillas and why local Texas foods are great for school meals. It features Anita's Tortilleria in Brownsville where they've been making corn tortillas the same way for over 60 years. Share this video with students, their families, and everyone in your community!
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USDA Opens 2021 Farm to School Grant Request for Applications
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced this year's Farm to School Grant Program Request for Applications (RFA). Up to $10 million will be awarded to farm to school programs that increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children and agriculture for better health, and inspire young people to consider careers in agriculture. The application submission deadline is January 8, 2021.
Eligible schools, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, small- to medium-sized agricultural producers or groups of small- to medium-sized agricultural producers, and nonprofit organizations can apply. New for 2021, institutions operating the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at non-school based sites are included in the definition of eligible schools and may apply for funding. For more information on applying, visit the Resources for Farm to School Grant Applicants webpage here. To read more about past USDA Farm to School Grant awardees and their projects, visit the grant award webpage.
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Dont Forget to Share Your Stories for Farm to School Month
The Farm Fresh team wants to amplify your local food stories from Farm to School Month and throughout 2020. Telling TDA and other Texans about your Farm Fresh experiences will help everyone celebrate the people and foods making a healthy impact across the state. Share your stories on social media using the hashtags #FarmFreshTexas and #TexasAgricultureMatters or send us an email at FarmFresh@TexasAgriculture.gov.
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Resources to Support Farm Fresh Learning
As young Texans continue to navigate the new school year, whether learning in the classroom or at home, TDA has compiled resources to engage children in education on topics including cooking and nutrition, agriculture and gardening. Educators, parents and caregivers are encouraged to use the guide’s hands-on activities, educational videos, and curated learning guides and curricula. Download the resource here and let the Farm Fresh team know how you are using it by sending an email to FarmFresh@TexasAgriculture.gov.
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Budding Botanist Grant for School Gardens
Sponsored by the Klorane Botanical Foundation, the Budding Botanist Grant opportunity is open to K-12 public, charter and private schools that can demonstrate that at least 40 percent of their student population would qualify for free or reduced price meals. Grant awards are intended for new or existing school garden programs, including edible gardens for Farm Fresh learning, that teach students about sustainability and biodiversity. The application deadline is October 30, 2020. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit the grant webpage.
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Farm to Child Care Spotlight
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KidsGardening Organization Offers Youth Garden Grant 2021
This funding opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, public and private schools that serve at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. Award packages include cash and a variety of gardening tools and supplies. The deadline to apply is December 18, 2020. While this opportunity is also open to schools and organizations serving older children, it is an excellent opportunity for child care programs to access funds for establishing new gardens or expanding existing edible gardens. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the grant webpage.
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TDA Organic Cost Share Program
Texas-based organic producers, processors or distributors can apply now to participate in the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Operations must possess current USDA organic certification to be eligible for this opportunity. All application materials can be found on the cost share webpage along with contact information for TDA’s grant specialists. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. CT November 2, 2020.
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Farm & Food Leadership Conference 2020 Agenda Announced
The Farm & Food Leadership Conference has announced the agenda and speaker lineup for the two-day virtual event scheduled for October 26-27, 2020. Keynote speakers, U.S. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), will focus on federal priorities around small farmers, local food, and sustainable agriculture. The conference is hosted by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, in partnership with the Council for Healthy Food Systems and the Small Producers Initiative at Texas State University. Registration, agenda, and speaker information can be found on the conference webpage.
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Contact TDAEmilee Case, Coordinator for Special Programs
Hanneke Van Dyke, Farm Fresh Specialist
Toll Free: (877) TEX-MEAL
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Connect with Others
This LinkedIn group is an online network connecting schools, child and adult care centers, producers, support organizations and community members with important information about expanding local food efforts in Texas. Join Today!
Use this tool to connect with Texas food companies that currently sell or are interested in selling to schools, child care centers, adult care centers and summer meal programs. Company listings include contact information, product availability and distribution radius.
Financial support from organizations may help establish or advance local Farm Fresh initiatives. This list includes opportunities from TDA, USDA and other organizations.
Interested in learning more about Texas products?
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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COMMISSIONER SID MILLER
This product was funded by USDA.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. |
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