The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork is awarding $8.49 million in grants to 60 farm to school projects throughout the state via the 2021 California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. In Track 1, or the California Farm to School Innovation Grant, CDFA will fund 46 projects, awarding grants ranging from $20,000 to $500,000 to local educational agencies (LEAs) throughout the state. Selected through a competitive process, these projects focus on establishing new or expanding existing integrated farm to school programs that procure California-grown or California-produced whole or minimally processed foods and integrate these foods into school meals; and coordinate educational opportunities between cafeteria, classroom and community.  In Track 2, or the California Regional Partnerships Grant, CDFA will fund 14 projects, awarding grants ranging from approximately $144,000 to $250,000 to innovative farm to school partnerships including LEAs and regional partners. Selected through a competitive process, these projects focus on expanding existing farm to school initiatives and increasing collaboration and coordination between producers and the schools they serve. “We’re happy to report that so many projects are being funded in our inaugural year of the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “The excitement to participate demonstrates how much the program goals resonate with school meal providers, educators and regional food system partners.” For a full list of awardees and projects, go to the California Farm to School Program webpage .
 
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