By Scout Nelson
Minnesota schools, early childhood education (ECE) centers, and licensed in-home family childcare providers looking to serve locally sourced meals can apply for funding now through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Farm to School and Early Care Grant and Local Tots Cost-Share programs. The grant and cost-share program both offer reimbursement for local food purchases of Minnesota grown and raised foods.
The MDA expects to award approximately $1.35 million through the FY 2026 AGRI Farm to School and Early Care programs. About $200,000 is expected for the Local Tots Cost-Share program, with remaining funds supporting First Bite, Full Tray, and equipment grants.
“Farm to School and Early Care is one of our most popular grant programs, and it’s been great to see strong bipartisan support for expanding it,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “This funding not only brings fresh, local foods to students across Minnesota, it also creates real market opportunities for farmers producing everything from fruits and vegetables to cheese, meat, and other specialty crops. It’s a win for kids and a win for Minnesota agriculture.”
First Bite grants serve Minnesota K–12 districts and ECE centers that are new to buying local foods. Requests range from $2,500–$5,000 with no match required. Full Tray grants support districts and ECE centers with some experience; awards are up to $35,000 based on meals served in federal programs such as the National School Lunch Program or Child and Adult Care Food Program.
The Local Tots Cost-Share program is intended for family childcare providers. New participants do not require a cash match; FY 2025 awardees need a 1:1 cash match. The program anticipates the award of about $1,000 per provider, depending on demand.
Schools and ECE centers applying for First Bite or Full Tray may also request up to $25,000 for kitchen equipment tied to local food purchases; a 1:1 cash match is required. (Equipment-only requests are not eligible, and this option is not open to Local Tots participants.)
Priority goes to projects that expand purchases of a wide range of products, including culturally relevant foods and specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs, maple syrup, and honey, and to applicants with clear sourcing plans.
Grant applications and cost-share letters of intent are due by 4 p.m. CT, Thursday, October 23, 2025. Visit the Farm to School and Early Care Programs webpage for eligibility and application details. Funding is provided through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which advances Minnesota’s agriculture and renewable energy sectors.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov.
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy