Farm to School Infrastructure Grant Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 grant period. Download the Request for Applications here.
Program Purpose
Infrastructure Grants are part of the Vermont Farm to School program. These grants reimburse schools and early childhood programs for infrastructure purchases that improve food programs and support farm to school efforts.
The purpose of the Vermont Farm to School Program, established by the Rozo McLaughlin Farm to School Act (6 V.S.A. § 4721), is to:
- Encourage Vermont residents in developing healthy and lifelong habits of eating nutritious local foods
- Maximize use by Vermont schools and early care providers of fresh and locally grown, produced or processed food
- Work with partners to establish a food, farm, and nutrition education program that educates Vermont children regarding healthy eating habits through the use of educational materials, classes, and hands-on techniques that inform children of the connections between farming and the foods that they consume
- Increase the size and stability of direct sales markets available to Vermont producers
- Increase participation of Vermont children in child nutrition programs by increasing the selection of available foods
- Expand and improve child nutrition programs in schools and early childhood education programs
Eligibility
The following entities are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity:
- Vermont registered or licensed early care providers, or a consortium of providers
- Independent schools participating in any federal child nutrition programs
- Individual public schools
- Supervisory unions or educational districts on behalf of a public school or school consortium
Applicants may not be awarded both this grant and a Vermont Farm to School Child Nutrition Grant during the same grant period.
Early care applicants who meet the following will be given special consideration:
- Currently participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Are Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS) providers
- Serve infants and toddlers in their program
How to Apply
Applications for this grant opportunity will open on October 21, 2019. Applications must be submitted by noon on December 3, 2019 to be considered. The full Request for Applications is available here.
