TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will award $440,913 to six Florida-based recipients for the Farm to School Grant Program, including $100,000 to Leon County Schools.
USDA Farm to School Grants supports a wide range of activities that increase local foods served in child nutrition programs and teach children about food and agriculture.
“This USDA Farm to School Grant funding will help us provide access to fresh, nutritious foods for Florida’s children, promote science and agriculture education programs, and create economic opportunities for local farmers,” said Nikki Fried, the Agriculture Commissioner. “Thank you to the USDA for supporting these vital projects, which fuel local economies and boost our fight against food insecurity across the state.”
Other organizations located in Tallahassee receiving funds include Florida Impact, Inc., $50,000, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and its direct support organization Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, almost $65,000.
Beginning in the 2020-2021 School year, the Farm to School Grant Program will be supporting 159 grants, serving 7,610 schools and more than 2.5 million students. Over 57 percent of the children served in participating schools are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
