WASHINGTON, July 15, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $12 million in Farm to School Grants this year, announcing awards to 176 grantees, the most projects funded since the program began in 2013. The department is also releasing new data demonstrating the recent growth of farm to school efforts nationwide. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of school districts and/or local entities responsible for school meals participated in farm to school activities during school year 2018-2019, more than half (57%) of which began within the past three years.
“Helping schools expand access to healthy, locally grown produce through these grants is just one of the many ways USDA is transforming America’s food system,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Not only will this give children more nutritious food options in school, it supports local agriculture economies, while connecting them to the farms and farmers that grow the food we all depend on.”
“The record-breaking Farm to School Grants and new data release today both reflect USDA’s commitment to supporting farm to school efforts as a win-win for all involved,” said Stacy Dean, USDA’s deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services. “We’re excited about the growth in farm to school activity across the country and look forward to seeing the impact of this latest round of grants on children, schools, farmers, and the economy alike.”\\
Tides Center – $90,876
Corrales, New Mexico
Grant Type: Implementation
One Generation’s Indigenous Farm Hub is a new farm and community education space in Corrales, New Mexico focused on revitalizing Indigenous farming practices and food systems. In this Farm to School Implementation project, One Generation will collaborate with two K–12 public charter Schools—Native American Community Academy and Albuquerque Sign Language Academy—to develop and engage diverse, low-income, and hearing-impaired students in bilingual agricultural education at the Indigenous Farm Hub. Students will have opportunities to sample their own farm-grown food once a week during school lunch and in produce boxes sent home with students whenever the farm produces extra food. The program will help students: 1) Access healthy foods and develop healthy eating habits; 2) Grow their understanding and appreciation of local food sources and sustainability; 3) Deepen their interest in agriculture; and 4) Learn about agriculture, language, culture, academics, and social-emotional skills.
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