Oak Hill Children's Center. VAAFM photo.
Up to $40K grants for non-profit organizations will help schools and early childhood programs start or expand their farm to school teaching
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is launching a new grant that provides comprehensive farm to school training, technical assistance, professional development, and resources to schools and early childhood programs across the state. The Farm to School Service Provider Grant is designed for non-profit organizations that will help several schools and early childhood programs start or expand their farm to school programs through regional or statewide projects.
Farm to School Service Providers will develop and disseminate resources, provide individualized coaching and technical assistance, or offer workshops to students or staff at multiple schools and early childhood programs.
Services could include topics such as:
- Local procurement
- Child nutrition programs
- Curriculum integration
- School gardens
- Nutrition education
The application portal is open now through October 6, 2025. Grants can range from $10,000 - $40,000 and there is no match requirement. Applicants will be notified of decisions in December 2025, with projects beginning in February 2026. Click here to apply.
There will be an optional applicant webinar on Tuesday, September 9 from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM for prospective applicants to learn more.
More details about the Farm to School Service Provider Grant, including full eligibility criteria and webinar information, can be found at: FY26 Farm to School Service Provider Grant.
Applicants will demonstrate that there is significant interest in the services they will offer, including at least one Letter of Support or Letter of Commitment. Applicants must be prepared to provide farm to school services to at least three schools, licensed afterschool programs, or early childhood education programs, if awarded.
The Farm to School Service Provider Grant is the first in a series of new and updated funding opportunities available through the Farm to Institution Program in Fiscal Year 2026. For more information about upcoming grant opportunities, including the Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant, and one-time Local Food for Schools and Child Care grants, visit the Farm to Institution webpage.
The Farm to Institution Program was authorized with the passage of the Rozo Mclaughlin Farm-to-School Program Act of 2006 and is funded with an annual state appropriation from the Vermont State Legislature. Since the first grants in 2007, VAAFM has awarded 339 farm to school grants, investing $2.4 million in state funds in 158 schools and school districts and 160 early childhood education programs.
August 25, 2025 | Montpelier, VT - The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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