Farm to Kids supports LSP’s mission to connect local food producers with schools and institutions as part of our work to expand market access for farmers.

In recent years, the AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Programs have been critical for expanding market access opportunities across Minnesota, especially for beginning farmers and smaller operators, as well as for getting healthy, local food to Minnesota’s kids in  schools and childcare settings. Year-after-year there is greater demand for these resources than funding available; in 2023, for example, there were $5.3 million in requests, and currently the state funds it at just $1.29 million.

In 2025, thanks to the work of LSP and allies such as the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, the Minnesota Agriculture Bill that was passed now provides $1.59 million in funding for Farm to School and Early Care the first year and $1.54 million the second year, which represents a $300,000 and $250,000 increase, respectively, over current funding.

As part of LSP’s ongoing effort to support this program and showcase it’s value to the citizens of Minnesota, we have created a variety of resources, found below.