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USDA Opens Farm to School Grant Request for Applications
The USDA Office of Community Food Systems recently announced it is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2022 Farm to School Grant Program! USDA expects to award approximately $12 million in competitive grants to eligible entities through this year’s program. These grants help eligible entities implement farm to school programs that increase access to local food, connect children with agriculture for better health, and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture. Eligible organizations include 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. Institutions operating the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) at non-school based sites may also apply for funding. There are multiple funding tracks with maximum grant awards that range from $50,000-$500,000.
To learn more about the funding tracks, eligibility requirements, and to find additional resources to support you in developing a grant application, visit the Farm to School Grant Program Applicants Resources page. The official Request for Application is available on Grants.gov. The deadline to apply is January 10, 2022.
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New Video Features Farm to School Partners in Elgin, Texas
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Farm Fresh Initiative spent time over the summer with Elgin Independent School District, The Common Market Texas, and New Leaf Agriculture to highlight the benefits of their farm to school partnerships. Learn more about the great work these partners are doing to bring fresh, local food to students in Elgin. We hope their experience will inspire school districts and producers across the state to strengthen their partnerships as well! Watch the video here!
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Last Chance to Complete Farm Fresh Challenge Documentation
The Texas Department of Agriculture wants to hear how you met this year's Farm Fresh Challenge parameters. Complete your attestation form here. Districts that completed Eat Local, Teach Local, and Be Social parameters will receive special recognition from TDA.
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Farm to Child Care Spotlight
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Teach Kids the Vitamin ABCs with Local Farm Fresh Foods
Carrots are the Texas Farm Fresh Harvest of the Month for November! Did you know that carrots have Vitamin A, which helps strengthen eyesight? This free worksheet from the National CACFP Association teaches young children about the vitamins found in different foods that help their bodies grow and develop.
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New Farm Fresh Network Video Debuts
The TDA Farm Fresh Initiative has a new video resource for Texas farmers, ranchers, and food producers who are interested in connecting with schools and child care centers. This video highlights key steps and considerations in the process of selling to institutions that operate federal nutrition programs. Watch the video here and please share with your network of producers in Texas! Remember that the Farm Fresh team is available to provide assistance as you navigate the school and child care food market. Contact us at FarmFresh@TexasAgriculture.gov.
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USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program
The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers for taking measures to protect workers against COVID-19. Funds will be used to issue grants for costs incurred between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2021. This round of PRS funding is targeted to small businesses in certain commodity areas, farmers markets, and small specialty crop producers to address the costs they incurred to keep workers safe and help keep the U.S. food supply intact during the crisis. The application period opened on October 6, 2021 and closes on November 22, 2021. Funding requests may range from $1,500 to $20,000. For more information, visit the grant program website.
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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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