Vermont Opened Farm to School Grant Applications

Schools and child care providers can apply for funding to increase student access to local food and agriculture education.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Organic Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of colorful farm-fresh vegetables in wooden crates on a rustic surface, symbolizing agricultural education and community nutrition. — Vermont's Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has launched its FY27 grant program to support agricultural education and local food access for students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe state grants for local food and farm programs benefit your community schools?

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has opened applications for its FY27 Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant program. This initiative provides funding to help connect children with local food systems and agricultural learning opportunities.

Why it matters

The program aims to strengthen the connection between Vermont children and their local food sources, promoting better access to nutrition and agricultural literacy. By removing matching fund requirements, the state facilitates wider participation for educational and care providers.

The program offers $200,000 in total funding through individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per project. Recipients are given 18 months to complete their initiatives, though the total number of awards granted remains unknown.

The players

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

The state department responsible for overseeing agricultural policy, food security programs, and the promotion of local farm products.

The details

Applicants must first register with the state's WebGrants system, which requires approximately two business days for processing. Organizations are eligible for awards between $10,000 and $30,000, provided they do not hold an active FY26 grant. Projects should focus on building community connections through food and agriculture.

The Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program Act was passed in 2006.
The final virtual office hour for applicants is October 7, 2026.
Applications for the grant program close on October 21, 2026, at 1:59 p.m.

Health Landscape

This grant program follows the long-standing mandate set by the 2006 Rozo McLaughlin Farm-to-School Program Act to improve dietary habits among youth. It remains part of a broader shift in state-level public health policy toward integrating food education directly into early childhood care.

If you are involved with local schools or child care providers, you may want to discuss this funding opportunity with your administration to support fresh food integration. Interested parties should register early with the state's WebGrants portal to ensure their application is processed on time.

The takeaway

This program provides a significant opportunity for local providers to expand educational access to fresh, farm-grown food. Schools and providers should confirm their eligibility status and register with the state portal well before the October 21 deadline.