We're no longer accepting applications for this year's program. Details on this page apply to the previous round of funding. The next application period opens in late summer 2024.
The Farm to School and Early Care Full Tray Grant is intended for school districts and early childhood education (ECE) centers that have some Farm to School experience and want to grow their Farm to School and Early Care programming and expand local procurement from Minnesota producers.
If your school or ECE center is just starting a Farm to School program, you should apply for the Farm to School and Early Care First Bite Grant.
The Farm to School Full Tray Grant is intended for school districts that have some Farm to School experience and want to grow their Farm to School programming and expand local procurement from Minnesota producers.
Eligible applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Public or private schools or school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and serve food to K-12 students
- ECE centers that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
We encourage school districts and ECE centers serving sovereign tribal nations to apply.
Funding amounts
K-12 Schools or School Districts
The amount of funding each school district is eligible for is based on the number of reimbursable lunches and breakfasts served in October 2022 as a part of the NSLP, using this formula: NSLP meals served x 10 cents x 12 months.
- Example: (7,500 reimbursable lunches + 5,000 breakfasts) x $0.10 x 12 months = $15,000
Early Care Education Centers
The amount of funding each ECE center is eligible for is based on the number of reimbursable meals and snacks served in October 2022 as a part of CACFP, using the following formula: CACFP meals and snacks served x $0.10 x 12 months.
- Example: (1,200 reimbursable meals + 1,500 snacks) x $0.10 x 12 months = $3,240
Eligible projects
Projects must enhance and expand existing procurement and consumption of Minnesota grown and raised foods. This may include but is not limited to:
- Trialing new Minnesota grown products on the menu through taste tests
- Participating in the Minnesota Great Apple Crunch
- Hosting a Breakfast or Lunch with a Farmer meal
- Increasing the number of times a Minnesota item or meal repeats on the menu
- Adding Minnesota Thursday as monthly feature to the menu
- Expanding the number of featured items or meals during Farm to School and Early Care Month (October)
Amount available for Full Tray Grants
We expect to award up to $935,000 to reimburse school districts and ECE centers for buying Minnesota grown and raised foods used in federal meal programs.
- Full Tray applicants may apply for $2,500 to $35,000.
- There is a 1:1 cash match requirement.
- Request only the amount of funding you think you can spend within the grant period (approximately March 2024 – December 2026).
Equipment Grant
In addition to applying for the Farm to School and Early Care Full Tray Grant, you may also apply for up to $25,000 to buy equipment.
- Equipment requests may include the cost of equipment, shipping, and associated installation costs and must support Farm to School and Early Care initiatives.
- There is a 1:1 match requirement and equipment projects must be completed by December 2026.
- Receiving a Full Tray Grant does not guarantee you will receive equipment funding.
Applying
The application period for this grant has ended. We expect the next application period to begin late summer of 2024; check back for updated program materials.
To learn more about the program and start planning for next year, read the Fall 2023 Full Tray Request for Proposals (PDF). This grant program is subject to change so you should read the updated RFP when it's posted. You can also view our list of past projects and request a copy of an application to help you prepare. Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
