HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently unveiled a new phase of the Farm-to-School Grant program. Under the aegis of Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget, this initiative opens the door for schools and early childhood centers to secure up to $15,000 for projects that fuse healthy eating habits with a primer on agricultural careers.
To date, over $2.6 million has cascaded into 237 projects spanning 50 counties, illustrating a robust commitment to embedding the virtues of fresh, local produce in the educational experience. “These grants are an investment in our children’s health and their future,” Secretary Redding remarked, spotlighting the dual benefits of enhancing student wellness and connecting them more deeply with their communities.
Eligibility for these grants extends across a spectrum of educational institutions from school districts to charter schools, private schools, and centers catering to pre-kindergarten through 8th grade—provided they participate in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. The scope of funded projects is broad, encompassing partnerships with local farmers for fresh produce acquisitions, to the development or enhancement of school gardens, all geared towards immersing students in hands-on agricultural education and promoting nutritious dietary choices.
Samantha Gibb, Senior Associate at The Food Trust and Coordinator for the PA Farm to School Network, underscores the transformative impact of the Farm to School grant. “School food service professionals are able to procure local food to serve in school meals from farmers in their area for the first time,” Gibb explains, highlighting the reciprocal boon for Pennsylvania growers and the enriching educational experiences for students through activities such as school gardens, taste tests, and farm field trips. The PA Farm to School Network stands as a beacon of support, ready to assist schools and farmers in bridging the gap between young Pennsylvanians and a thriving, resilient local food system.
Echoing the sentiment of cross-sectoral benefits, Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin connects the dots between accessible nutrition and academic performance. “Access to nutritious food is a critical component of ensuring students can focus, learn, and achieve in school,” Mumin states, aligning the grant program with the Shapiro Administration’s broader objectives of universal free breakfast and the overarching support for Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector.
The application process for these grants is set against a digital backdrop, requiring submissions through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Electronic Single Application by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024. Full details and guidelines were made available in the April 27th edition of the PA Bulletin, providing a roadmap for interested parties.
This strategic funding initiative not only promises to enrich the diets and minds of Pennsylvania’s youth but also speaks to a larger vision of sustainability, community engagement, and the nurturing of future generations cognizant of the value of local food systems and the agricultural backbone of their state.
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