By Scout Nelson
In 2025, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded over $1 million through its Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Farm to School and Early Care Programs. This initiative supports schools and childcare providers in purchasing Minnesota-grown foods, enhancing meal quality and supporting local farmers.
The program offers two grant types: "First Bite" grants for newcomers to local food procurement and "Full Tray" grants for those with prior experience. Additionally, equipment grants are available to aid in preparing and serving local foods.
A new addition in 2025 is the Local Tots Cost-Share Program, providing $97,000 to 194 family childcare providers. Each received $500 to incorporate local foods into meals and snacks, marking the program's inaugural year.
These efforts aim to educate children about food origins, promote healthy eating, and strengthen ties between schools and local agriculture. The Land Stewardship Project has advocated for increased funding, noting that in 2023, requests totaled $5.3 million, while only $1.29 million was available.
As the Minnesota Legislature concludes its 2025 session on May 19, discussions continue on future funding levels for this impactful program. For more information or to connect with participating schools, contact MDA’s Farm to Institution coordinator, Kate Seybold, at kate.seybold@state.mn.us.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov
Categories: Minnesota, Education