The grants will support 14 farm-to-school projects across the state. Photo: Shutterstock
Ohio’s farm-to-school efforts are receiving state funding. The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced over $332,000 in Grow Ohio grants to support 14 farm-to-school projects across the state.
The first round recipients met at least one or more of the following criteria:
- A focus is on workforce development and an introduction for students interested in a career in agriculture.
- A partnership with one or more local food producers, farmers or food aggregators.
- Located in communities where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Projects include nutrition literacy programs, school gardens, partnerships with local suppliers and hydroponic gardens.
“Some students will be inspired by these programs to pursue an interest in agriculture and become part of the next generation of Ohioans who will feed our communities,” Gov. DeWine said in a statement. “But all participants will surely develop a closer connection to our state’s rich agricultural heritage while learning valuable life skills they can take with them forever.”
Ohio is the latest state to invest in farm-to-school initiatives. Pennsylvania recently has announced that registrations for its Farm-to-School program. This year, the state is awarding $500,000 in Farm-to-School grants andSchools can apply for up to $15,000 for eligible farm-to-school projects.
Additionally, New York announced the recipients its first round of funding for its Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program earlier this summer. The program aims to support the efforts of school nutrition programs, improve cafeteria kitchens, and prepare meals from scratch using local ingredients. Under this program, the state will award $50 million in grants to eligible applicants over five years. As part of the first round of funding, Buffalo City School District and Champlain Valley Educational Services will each receive $5 million to expand their local offerings.
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $14.3 million in federal grants for school education through its Patrick Leahy Farm to School program. The grants support 54 projects in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico reach 1.9 million childrensaid the ministry.
