The AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Programs have been critical for expanding market access opportunities across the state, especially for beginning farmers and smaller operators, as well as for getting healthy, local food to our kids in both schools and childcare settings.

This initiative reimburse schools and early childcare education centers for purchases of Minnesota-grown and raised food used in meal programs. There are two grant options for applicants: 1) “First Bite Mini-Grants” for those with little or no experience with local procurement, and 2) “Full Tray Grants” for applicants with some experience with local procurement. Applicants may also apply for equipment grants to make it more possible to serve locally sourced products.

Not only is it great to see kids enjoy tasty food grown in our state, but “Farm to Kids” educates kids where their food comes from; it makes the cafeteria a classroom and builds connections between children, schools, and our farmers.

The Land Stewardship Project has been advocating for the AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Programs for several years and in 2025 we have asked the Minnesota Legislature to increase the funding overall for the grant initiative. Year-after-year there is greater demand for this program than funding available. In 2023, there were $5.3 million in requests for the program, and currently the state funds it at $1.29 million.

Legislators are in the final weeks of Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session, which is set to end May 19. As you read this, lawmakers are in the midst of determining at what level to fund this important initiative going forward.

Sign our petition today to ask the Legislature to approve additional funding for this project.

Sign the Petition Here

For more information, contact Laura Schreiber, LSP’s government relations director, via e-mail.