Trump Agriculture Department funds Farm-to-School program at historic levels

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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is planning on providing an additional $18 million in grants to schools who want to participate in the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, nearly 20% of the entire funding allotted over the 12-year life of the program.

The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, managed by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, promotes the inclusion of local foods, agricultural education, and nutrition-focused activities in schools across the country. Since its inception in 2013, it has distributed $100 million to support over 1,275 initiatives, increasing students’ access to fresh, local produce while building ties to regional agriculture. 

Child nutrition, community food networks

Aligning with the Make America Healthy Again’s (MAHA) efforts to move away from processed foods, the program funds efforts such as school gardens, farm field trips, and local food sourcing to enhance child nutrition and bolster community food networks. more