In this funding cycle, USDA anticipates awarding approximately $5 million in grant funding to support efforts that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. We also anticipate executing up to $500,000 in grants to support farm to school conferences, trainings, and like events.
Grant funds will be made available on a competitive basis, subject to availability of federal funds. Applicants may apply for a Planning grant, Implementation grant or Support Service grant. Planning grants are expected to range from $20,000 - $45,000 and implementation grants and support service grants are expected to range from $65,000 - $100,000. It is estimated that planning grants will represent approximately 25 percent of the total grant funding awarded in this RFA, while implementation and support service grants are expected to represent approximately 75 percent.
For all three types of grants, the federal share of a project cannot exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the project, as required by the HHFKA. Therefore, the applicant must provide at least 25 percent of the costs of the total project. The total project cost is the federal grant request amount plus the applicant match. New in FY2015, USDA Farm to School program funds will be made available to support conferences, trainings and events. Funding for conference/events are expected to range from $15,000-$50,000. No match funds are required. USDA expects to fund at least one statewide or regional conference in all seven FNS regions, and at least one national conference.
Award announcement:
FY 2015 List of awardees
FY 2015 Press release